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Cosmetic Formulation Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Research Scientist

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Lead formulation development activities for skincare, cosmetic, OTC, personal care, and related products from concept through commercialization. * Serve as a technical expert in emulsion and ...

Sr. Research Scientist

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Lead formulation development activities for skincare, cosmetic, OTC, personal care, and related products from concept through commercialization. * Serve as a technical expert in emulsion and ...

Cosmetic Formulation information

See Tennessee salary details

$13

$20

$38

How much do cosmetic formulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for cosmetic formulation in Tennessee is $20.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cosmetic Formulator job description?

A cosmetic formulator develops and creates skincare, haircare, and beauty products by combining ingredients to achieve desired textures, stability, and efficacy. They often work in laboratories, utilize knowledge of chemistry and formulation techniques, and may need certifications or training in cosmetic science. Attention to safety, regulatory compliance, and innovation are key aspects of the role.

How much do skincare formulators make?

Skincare formulators typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level formulators may start around $40,000, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000. Skills in formulation chemistry and familiarity with industry regulations can influence salary levels.

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 highest paying jobs in cosmetics?

In cosmetic formulation, senior roles such as Cosmetic Chemist, R&D Director, or Product Development Manager tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures with experience and advanced degrees. These positions typically require strong technical skills, knowledge of ingredients and regulations, and leadership responsibilities within cosmetic companies or laboratories.

How do I become a cosmetic formulator?

To become a cosmetic formulator, typically a background in chemistry, pharmacy, or chemical engineering is required, along with knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and formulation techniques. Many formulators hold a bachelor's degree and gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in cosmetic companies. Developing skills in product development, safety testing, and using formulation software can also be beneficial.

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.

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 popular job titles related to Cosmetic Formulation jobs in Tennessee? For Cosmetic Formulation jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cosmetic Formulation job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,101 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Sr. Research Scientist

Revance

Johnson City, TN • On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

The Senior Research Scientist is responsible for leading the development of innovative skincare and personal care formulations from concept through commercialization within the Formulation Sciences organization. This role serves as a technical subject matter expert in formulation chemistry and partners cross-functionally to deliver products that meet quality, performance, regulatory, and business objectives. The position will lead formulation activities, support scale-up efforts, mentor junior team members, and drive innovation, while operating within a highly collaborative matrix environment.


Reporting to:
    Vice President, R&D
Location:             Johnson City, TN - onsite


Responsibilities/Essential Duties:

  • Lead formulation development activities for skincare, cosmetic, OTC, personal care, and related products from concept through commercialization.
  • Serve as a technical expert in emulsion and surfactant chemistry with advanced expertise in sunscreen and cosmetic formulations.
  • Design, execute, analyze, and interpret scientific experiments and studies to support formulation development and optimization.
  • Evaluate and incorporate new ingredients, technologies, and industry trends to support innovation initiatives and continuous improvement.
  • Modify and optimize existing formulations to address changing regulatory requirements, improve product performance, and drive cost efficiencies.
  • Build and maintain effective partnerships with ingredient suppliers and external technical partners to support development activities.
  • Partner closely with Process Development and Manufacturing teams to support formulation scale-up and technology transfer activities.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including R&D, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Commercial partners.
  • Apply understanding of intellectual property strategy, including patent review and basic patent search methodologies, during product development efforts.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior scientists and team members.
  • Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously while meeting established timelines and deliverables.
  • Document research activities, experimental findings, and technical conclusions clearly and accurately.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

 
Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree & 5+ years' directly related experience.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
  • 5-8 years' experience in cosmetic, personal care, OTC, or toiletries formulation development.
  • Advanced knowledge of emulsion and surfactant chemistry.
  • Expertise in sunscreen and cosmetic formulation technologies.
  • Strong expertise in formulation science with demonstrated experience developing products from concept through commercialization.
  • Experience with experimental design, scientific problem-solving, and data-driven decision making.
  • Working knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and formulation technologies.
  • Familiarity with cosmetic and/or OTC regulatory requirements and current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
  • Experience supporting product scale-up and manufacturing transfer activities.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a highly matrixed environment.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

Company Summary:

Crown is a proud member of the Revance Portfolio of skincare offerings. Revance is a fast-growing global aesthetics and skincare company focused on providing innovative aesthetics and market-leading skincare offerings throughout every stage of life. With a differentiated portfolio of products spanning 60 countries, Revance meets the evolving needs of patients and consumers worldwide through continued innovation and commercialization of new products and treatments.

What Revance invests in you:

  • Competitive Compensation including base salary and annual performance bonus.
  • Flexible PTO, holidays, and parental leave.
  • Generous healthcare benefits, HSA match, 401k match, employer paid life and disability insurance, pet insurance, wellness discounts and much more!

 

This section of the job description is required by the American with Disability Act (ADA). The ADA requires that job descriptions reflect the physical and mental demands required to effectively perform the essential duties of the job. The ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against a "qualified individual with a disability" in all aspects of the employment relationship. A "qualified individual with a disability" is "an individual who meets the education, experience, skill, and other job-related requirements of a position held or desired, and who, with reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of a specified job."

Revance is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.