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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 28, 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 formulation?

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 skills and qualifications are needed for cosmetic formulation?

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 common challenges faced by cosmetic formulation professionals?

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.

How do you become a cosmetic formulation specialist?

To become a cosmetic formulation specialist, typically a bachelor's degree in chemistry, pharmacy, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in cosmetic labs and developing skills in formulation, stability testing, and ingredient safety are essential steps. Certifications in cosmetic science or formulation can also enhance job prospects.

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:

What job categories do people searching Cosmetic Formulation jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Cosmetic Formulation jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Cosmetic Formulation job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,101 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Sr Formulation Scientist

Johnson City, TN • On-site

Scientific Search
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Senior Research Scientist
Location: Johnson City, TN — Onsite
Lead the science behind innovative skincare, cosmetic, OTC, and personal care products from concept through commercialization. My client is seeking a formulation expert who can turn emerging technologies and ingredients into high-performing products with real consumer impact.
Why You Should Apply
  • Lead high-impact formulation innovation
  • Influence products from concept through commercialization
  • Annual performance bonus
  • Flexible PTO, holidays, and parental leave
  • Healthcare benefits, HSA and 401(k) match, life/disability and pet insurance
What You’ll Be Doing
  • Lead skincare, cosmetic, OTC, and personal care formulation development
  • Drive emulsion, surfactant, and sunscreen formulation innovation
  • Design experiments and translate findings into optimized formulations
  • Support scale-up, technology transfer, and manufacturing
  • Evaluate new ingredients, technologies, regulatory changes, and patents
  • Mentor scientists and collaborate across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Commercial teams
About You
  • Bachelor’s degree required; Chemistry or related scientific discipline preferred; Master’s welcomed
  • Advanced emulsion and surfactant chemistry knowledge
  • Expertise cosmetic formulation technologies
  • Familiarity with cosmetic/OTC regulatory requirements and GMP
  • Strong experimental design, scientific problem-solving, and scale-up capabilities
How To Apply
We’d love to see your resume, but we don’t need it to have a conversation. Send us an email to emily@scientificsearch.com and tell me why you’re interested. Or, feel free to email your resume. Please include Job#20049.