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Cosmetic Formulation Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Formulation Chemist (SPF)

Doral, FL · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline. * 2+ years of formulation experience within the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, or personal care industry. * Required: Hands-on ...

Title: Formulation Chemist I Location: Clark, NJ, 07066 Duration: 12 months with possibility of ... Minimum 2 years of experience (preferably in cosmetics industry). * Computer literacy. * Excellent ...

Cosmetic Chemist

Osceola, WI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Position Summary We're seeking an experienced Cosmetic Chemist to lead formulation development, product testing and quality control as a founding member of our lab team. This role will be central to ...

Cosmetic Chemist

Osceola, WI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Position Summary We're seeking an experienced Cosmetic Chemist to lead formulation development, product testing and quality control as a founding member of our lab team. This role will be central to ...

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... Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field · 7+ years of cosmetic formulation experience (color and skincare required) · Prior leadership or team management experience · ...

Bachelor's or Master's in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline * Minimum 4+ years of hands-on formulation experience in hair care R&D ...

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Cosmetic Formulation Chemist information

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$35K

$87.7K

$148K

How much do cosmetic formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cosmetic formulation chemist in the United States is $87,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cosmetic formulation chemist do?

A typical day for a Cosmetic Formulation Chemist involves designing, mixing, and testing formulations for products like skincare, haircare, or makeup in a laboratory setting. You may conduct stability and efficacy tests, analyze raw materials, and ensure formulations comply with regulatory standards. Collaboration is common, as you’ll work closely with marketing teams, packaging engineers, and quality assurance to refine products and address any issues. There are frequent opportunities to participate in research projects and attend meetings to keep the company up to date with new ingredients and industry trends.

What is a cosmetic formulation chemist?

A Cosmetic Formulation Chemist is responsible for researching, developing, and testing cosmetic and personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, and makeup. They work with ingredients to create safe, effective, and stable formulations while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Their job involves experimenting with new raw materials, improving existing products, and troubleshooting formulation issues. They often collaborate with marketing, regulatory, and production teams to bring products from concept to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cosmetic formulation chemist?

To thrive as a Cosmetic Formulation Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry or a related scientific field, often supported by a degree in chemistry, pharmacology, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, formulation software, and regulatory compliance tools is essential, and certifications like the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) membership can be advantageous. Attention to detail, creativity, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help set candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for developing safe, effective, and innovative cosmetic products while maintaining quality and adhering to industry regulations.

What cities are hiring for Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Cosmetic Formulation Chemist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs? The most popular types of Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Cosmetic Formulation Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,733 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Formulation Chemist (SPF)

Kelly Services

Doral, FL • On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

R&D Formulation Chemist (Personal Care & OTC Products)

Location: Doral, FL (100% Onsite)
Schedule: Monday – Friday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Salary: $80,000 – $130,000 (depending on experience)

Why This Opportunity?

If you're passionate about innovation, formulation, and bringing new products to market, this is an opportunity to make a direct impact. You'll join a collaborative R&D team developing cutting-edge OTC and personal care products across skin care, hair care, sun care, and pet care. From reverse engineering market-leading products to creating brand-new formulations and supporting production scale-up, you'll have ownership throughout the product development lifecycle while working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment where your ideas and technical expertise are valued.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced R&D Formulation Chemist to support the research, development, and optimization of high-quality OTC and non-OTC personal care products. This hands-on laboratory role is responsible for developing innovative formulations, conducting laboratory testing, troubleshooting formulation challenges, and supporting products from concept through commercial manufacturing.

Approximately 50% of this role will focus on SPF/sunscreen formulation, making prior sunscreen formulation experience essential for success.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
  • 2+ years of formulation experience within the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, or personal care industry.
  • Required: Hands-on experience formulating SPF/sunscreen products. This is a must-have qualification, as approximately 50% of the formulation work will be dedicated to sunscreen products.
  • Experience developing OTC and non-OTC personal care products.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish with strong verbal and written communication skills a plus.
  • Strong understanding of laboratory procedures, formulation principles, and analytical testing.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and formulate OTC and non-OTC products including SPF/sunscreen, skin care, hair care, personal care, and pet care products.
  • Lead sunscreen formulation projects, ensuring compliance with applicable OTC requirements and performance expectations.
  • Prepare laboratory batches according to existing and newly developed formulations.
  • Optimize formulations by adjusting pH, viscosity, stability, and other performance characteristics based on customer or project requirements.
  • Reverse engineer competitive products and develop improved formulations.
  • Conduct research on new raw materials, technologies, and formulation techniques.
  • Document formulation procedures, laboratory observations, and technical data using laboratory notebooks and formulation software.
  • Support first production batches and create detailed manufacturing procedures to ensure successful scale-up and batch reproducibility.
  • Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing issues for both new and existing products.
  • Operate, maintain, and clean laboratory equipment while ensuring proper laboratory organization and housekeeping.
  • Evaluate the physical and performance characteristics of formulations using standard laboratory testing methods.
  • Manage product development projects from customer brief through commercialization.
  • Provide technical support to Sales and Marketing during customer presentations and product development discussions.
  • Maintain compliance with applicable industry regulations and quality standards.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.
Training & Work Environment

Employees receive training on current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), personal practices, safety procedures, and company quality standards. This position is primarily laboratory-based and requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, hairnets, and other required safety gear.


As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
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