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Cosmetic Formulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.

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Director of Cosmetics-Research and Development

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $139K/yr

... cosmetic formulation experience (color and skincare required) · Prior leadership or team management experience · Strong knowledge of Cosmetic ingredients, raw materials, and regulations · ...

Color Street

R&D Lab Coordinator (Cosmetics)

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Stay updated on cosmetic formulation trends, materials, and international regulations relevant to nail and beauty product development. Requirements * BS in Chemistry/related field or Coatings ...

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How much do cosmetic formulation jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 is a Cosmetic Formulation job?

A Cosmetic Formulation job involves creating and developing skincare, haircare, makeup, and other beauty products by selecting and combining ingredients for efficacy, safety, and stability. Cosmetic formulators work in labs, conducting research, testing formulations, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. They collaborate with chemists, regulatory teams, and marketing professionals to develop products that meet consumer needs and market trends. This role requires knowledge of chemistry, product development, and raw materials to create innovative and high-quality cosmetics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cosmetic Formulation position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cosmetic Formulation professional, you need a strong background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in product development. Familiarity with formulation software, regulatory compliance systems, and laboratory equipment such as mixers and viscometers is essential. Attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These abilities are crucial for designing safe, innovative, and compliant cosmetic products that meet both client expectations and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Cosmetic Formulation professionals in the workplace?

Cosmetic Formulation professionals often face challenges such as meeting strict regulatory requirements, ensuring product stability and safety, and balancing innovative formula development with cost-effectiveness. Collaboration is also key, as formulators frequently work with marketing, regulatory, quality assurance, and manufacturing teams to bring new products to market. Staying updated with the latest raw materials, industry trends, and sustainability demands can be demanding but rewarding. Overcoming these challenges requires continuous learning, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving industry standards.
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Cosmetic Formulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cosmetic Formulation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,488 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
Lead Cosmetic Formulation Scientist

Lead Cosmetic Formulation Scientist

W.S. Badger Company

Gilsum, NH • On-site

$35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

The Lead Cosmetic Formulation Scientist furthers the Badger mission by providing RDI laboratory oversight and technical leadership supporting formulation strategy for lab scale cosmetic and OTC topical products.
This role combines advanced hands-on cosmetic formulation work with lab management responsibilities including inventory control, equipment upkeep, lab organization, safety compliance, and workflow coordination. The Lead Cosmetic Formulation Scientist provides workflow and technical guidance to the Lab & Scale-Up Technician in everyday laboratory product development activities and benchtop formulation.
Responsibilities:
Cosmetics and OTC Formulation and Product Development
  • Lead formulation development for natural cosmetic and OTC topical products (creams, oils, balms, lotions, sunscreens and others) following direction and process guidance provided by RDI Director.
  • Apply ingredient interaction knowledge to help build targeted experimental designs.
  • Support formulation strategy, including raw material evaluation, prototype development, and performance optimization.
  • Provide guidance to Laboratory & Scale up Technician on cosmetic science methods, formulation best practices, physical chemistry processing and experimental design.
  • Manage day-to-day laboratory workflows to enable efficient product development project execution and designate formulation tasks to Lab & Scale up Technician
  • Support RDI Director in troubleshooting challenges related to texture, viscosity, mixing, emulsion stability, mixing or ingredient variability.
  • Ensure formula stability before pilot manufacturing process and support Quality in product stability after pilots.
  • Support in the experimental design and analytical needs for quality investigations.
  • Perform precise formula math including scaling, percentage-to-weight conversions, and sample estimation for different needs.
  • Prepare accurate, reproducible small-scale batches with optimized processing parameters (order of addition, mixing speeds, temperatures, shear).
  • Assist Regulatory by participating in ingredient and product standard determination.
  • Support other activities as needed such as assisting in Scale up, Pilots, Tech transfer. etc.

Testing, Analysis & Documentation
  • Conduct standard cosmetic and OTC analyses including pH, viscosity, structural stability, density, microscopy and organoleptic evaluations.
  • Support in designing and standardizing laboratory analysis.
  • Interpret results to guide iteration and formulation improvement.
  • Maintain detailed batch records, formulation revisions, experimental records, and technical reports.
  • Lead internal sensory and efficacy evaluations including focus group panels for product assessment.

Laboratory Management
  • Maintain a highly organized, clean, and safe laboratory environment to support efficient RDI workflows.
  • Implement systems for ingredient organization, sample storage, labeling, and equipment placement.
  • Execute organization and cleaning tasks in coordination with the Lab & Scale-up technician.
  • Oversee raw material and packaging inventory for bench top formulation including tracking, ordering, receiving, and labeling.
  • Ensure appropriate storage conditions for temperature and light-sensitive materials. and light sensitive materials.
  • Coordinate and execute disposal of expired materials and chemical waste in compliance with regulations.
  • Manage laboratory equipment including routine cleaning, calibration, preventive maintenance, and records.
  • Manage consumable needs and laboratory supplies

Pay starting at $35/hour; salary is commensurate to experience.
Requirements
Experience & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science or Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field with a degree of formal coursework in Cosmetic Science.
  • 3+ years of hands-on formulation experience specifically in cosmetics, natural personal care or OTC topical products.
  • Hands-on experience managing laboratory operations or lab resources is highly preferred.

Skills:
  • Demonstrated expertise in cosmetic structural physical chemistry such as emulsion systems, surfactants, gels, rheology and texture design. Natural or botanical formulations preferred
  • Proficiency with lab instruments including homogenizers, mixers, pH meters, viscometers, rheometers, and stability chambers.
  • Familiarity with cosmetic regulatory frameworks (FDA OTC monographs, cosmetic labeling, INCI nomenclature).
  • Highly organized with strong ownership of lab order and operational efficiency.
  • Leadership mindset with collaborative communication style.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to shifting priorities.

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Wellness Resources

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