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Contract Cosmetic Formulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SV Labs Corporation

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... Cosmetic Science, or a related field. WORK EXPERIENCE • Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on formulation experience in the personal care, home care or beauty industry, preferably within a contract ...

SV Labs Corporation

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... Cosmetic Science, or a related field. WORK EXPERIENCE • Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on formulation experience in the personal care, home care or beauty industry, preferably within a contract ...

System One

Hair Care Formulation Scientist

Cranbury, NJ · On-site

$70/hr

Familiarity with formulation scale-up processes and working closely with contract manufacturers * Fundamental understanding of global cosmetics regulations and raw material compliance * Formulating ...

Astrix Inc

R&D Formulation Scientist

Columbus, IN · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Pay Rate Low: 27 | Pay Rate High: 30 Our client is a leader in contract manufacturing and ... Experience in regulated environments such as pharmaceutical, biotech, personal care, cosmetics ...

Voyant Beauty

Research & Development Chemist

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$72K - $90K/yr

... cosmetic formulation and development (Required) * 1-3 years Experience with O/W, W/O emulsions ... Prior experience in contract manufacturing desirable (Medium proficiency) * Ability to analyze data ...

voyant

Research & Development Chemist

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

... cosmetic formulation and development (Required) * 1-3 years Experience with O/W, W/O emulsions ... Prior experience in contract manufacturing desirable (Medium proficiency) * Ability to analyze data ...

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All JobsContract Cosmetic Formulation Jobs

Contract Cosmetic Formulation information

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How much do contract cosmetic formulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cosmetic formulation in the United States is $22.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are contract cosmetic formulation services?

Contract cosmetic formulation services involve hiring specialized professionals or companies to develop and create custom cosmetic products for your brand. These services include formulation development, testing, and sometimes manufacturing, allowing brands to bring new products to market without needing in-house formulation expertise. Contract formulators work with clients to ensure products meet regulatory standards, desired performance, and branding goals. This approach helps companies save time and resources while accessing expert knowledge in cosmetic science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Cosmetic Formulation Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Cosmetic Formulation Specialist, you need a solid background in chemistry or cosmetic science, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with product development. Familiarity with formulation software, regulatory compliance tools, and laboratory equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with clients and ensuring innovative, safe products. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing successful formulations that meet both client expectations and industry standards.

What is the difference between Contract Cosmetic Formulation vs Contract Cosmetic Chemist?

AspectContract Cosmetic FormulationContract Cosmetic Chemist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in chemistry or cosmetic scienceSame as formulation role, often with additional certifications in cosmetic chemistry
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with brands and manufacturers, often in labs or officesWorks in labs, developing and testing cosmetic products
Industry UsageUsed by companies outsourcing product developmentEmployed by contract labs or as independent consultants

Contract Cosmetic Formulation involves creating and developing cosmetic product formulas, often working with brands or manufacturers. Contract Cosmetic Chemists focus on the scientific testing, stability, and safety of these formulations. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, formulation roles emphasize product development, whereas chemists focus on testing and analysis.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in contract cosmetic formulation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in contract cosmetic formulation often face challenges such as meeting tight client deadlines, ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulatory standards, and accommodating a wide range of client needs from small startups to established brands. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong project management skills, up-to-date knowledge of global cosmetic regulations, and effective communication with both clients and internal teams. Building flexibility into workflow processes and maintaining a robust network of raw material suppliers also help ensure timely and compliant product development.
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Contract Cosmetic Formulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cosmetic Formulation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,488 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
Formulation Chemist

Formulation Chemist

SV Labs Corporation

Watsonville, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The Formulation Chemist is responsible for the research, design, and development of innovative

personal care and home care products, including skincare, haircare, body care and laundry, dish, and

surface cleansers. Working in a fast-paced contract manufacturing environment, you will translate

customer briefs into commercially viable products while ensuring stability, safety, and regulatory

compliance.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Product Development: Create new formulations from scratch and improve existing ones

to meet client specifications.

• Bench-to-Production Scale-Up: Oversee the transition from small lab batches to pilot plant

and full-scale manufacturing trials.

• Stability & Compatibility Testing: Conduct rigorous testing to ensure product integrity

under varying temperatures and confirm compatibility with packaging.

• Technical Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve batching or quality issues during the

manufacturing process to ensure Right-The-First-Time production.

• Raw Material Management: Collaborate with suppliers to source innovative ingredients

and identify cost-effective alternatives.

• Documentation: Maintain detailed lab notebooks and prepare technical documents in

compliance with cGMP and FDA standards.

• Client Collaboration: Interface with sales and marketing teams to provide technical

insights and updates for client projects.

• Perform other regulatory compliance-related activities as assigned.

MEETING PARTICIPATION

• Any as requested.

AUTHORITY

This position reports to the VP of Research & Development.

CLASSIFICATION

This is a full-time exempt role.

Your primary office location will be the Company’s Watsonville, CA headquarters. The Company

reserves the right to reasonably require you to perform your duties at places other than your primary

office location from time to time, and to require reasonable business travel.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree with a Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related

field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on formulation experience in the personal care, home care or

beauty industry, preferably within a contract manufacturing setting.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Laboratory Operations: Intimate knowledge of laboratory practices, safety compliance, and

management and handling hazardous chemicals.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with global cosmetic regulations and Good Manufacturing

Practices (GMP).

• Soft Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving, project management skills to juggle multiple

client projects, and excellent communication.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• This is an on-site position based in a laboratory and manufacturing facility.

• The role involves handling various raw materials and chemicals, requiring strict adherence to

safety protocols and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).