1

Cosmetic Formulation Jobs (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 ...

... oral care, cosmetic, OTC, and medical device products across skin, body, hair, and oral care ... You will create new formulation concepts and prototypes to meet customer briefs, support proactive ...

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

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 ...

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Summary We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Microbiologist / Formulation ... Experience in regulated environments such as pharmaceutical, biotech, personal care, cosmetics ...

Formulation Chemist Mativ is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta ... This role formulates products in the medical device, OTC, and occasionally cosmetic spaces ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cosmetic Formulation information

See salary details

$14

$22

$42

How much do cosmetic formulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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 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.

More about Cosmetic Formulation jobs
What cities are hiring for Cosmetic Formulation jobs? Cities with the most Cosmetic Formulation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cosmetic Formulation jobs? The most popular types of Cosmetic Formulation jobs are:
What states have the most Cosmetic Formulation jobs? States with the most job openings for Cosmetic Formulation jobs include:
Senior Formulation Scientist and Quality Assurance

Senior Formulation Scientist and Quality Assurance

Medical Group Care

Naples, FL • On-site

$120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Formulation & Quality Assurance
Scientist to join our growing team. In this dual-focus role, you will be responsible for developing innovative,
safe, and effective formulations across FDA-regulated categories in cosmetics and health while ensuring that all products meet rigorous quality, regulatory, and
safety standards. The ideal candidate brings a deep passion for cosmetic science, a sharp analytical mindset,
and a proven track record in both the lab and in quality systems.
Key Responsibilities
Ideation, Strategy & Market Opportunity
-
lead white space research and competitive landscape analysis to identify consumer needs and market share growth opportunities across cosmetics, OTC, and medical device categories to grow (own merit) category for both retail and cobtorl brands.
- benchmark formulations, claims, performance, and cost structures against national brands and category leaders to infomr innovation and positioning strategies.
translate cosnumer insights, clinical needs, and regulatory constraints into clear technical and commercialization roadmaps. 
Product Formulation & Technical Ownership
- own the development and formulation specifications as the subject-matter-expert (SME)
- design, develop, and optimize skincare formulations across Cosmetic skincare and personal care assortments, OTC drug products (e.g. acne, dandruff, skin protectants, suncreens, cold/cough remedies, digestive health) and Medical devices and combination products, where applicable
- take full ownership of formulations, including composition, processing parameters, stabilty, performance, and cost optimization.
- source and evaluate raw materials and active ingredients in collaboration with key stakeholders and maintain clear communication in driving cost-effective startegy(ies) while maintaining competitive in market share.
- guide and parter with contract manufacturers (co-mans) and their technical teams, providing direction on formulation refinement, process optimization, and scale-up readiness.
- lead formulation advacement from bench prototype >>pilot >> full-scale commercial production, resolving scale-related challenges proactively.
- evaluate, qualify, and approve rwa materials, actives, excipients, and packaging components in alignments with regulatory and quality requirements.
- conduct and interpret stability, compatibility, and efficacy testing to validate new formulations.
- stay current with emerging ingredients, technologies, and consumer trends to drive product innovation.
- work cross-functionally with marketing, packaging, and regulatory teams to bring products from concept
to commercialization.
Commercilization & Scale-Up
- own technical readiness for launch, nsuring formulations are robust, reproducible, and commercially viable.
- support road map transfer to manufacturing sites, processing instructions and specifications, and critical quality attributes.
- ensure seamless collaborationacross to meet launch timelines.
- identify and mitigate technical, quality, and regulatory risks prior to commercialization.
Quality Assurance
- maintain data-driven  quality management systems (QMS) in accordance with GMP, relevant ISO standardsand regulatory frameworks.
- develop and implement streamlined, standardized processes across contract manufacturing parters to improve operational efficiency, reduce cycle times, and ensure consistent, on-time delivery of development and commercialization milestones.
- establish and oversee SOPs for raw material testing, in-process checks, and finished product release.
- investigate and resolve product quality complaints, non-conformances, and deviations using root cause
analysis (e.g., CAPA, 8D).
- ensure all products comply with applicable cosmetic regulations (FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation, or relevant regional standards).
- maintain and review safety data sheets (SDS), product safety assessments, and documentation for
regulatory submissions.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences,
or a related field.
Master's degree or PhD is a strong advantage.
Experience
5+ years of hands-on experience in skincare product formulation.
5+ years of experience in a quality assurance or regulatory compliance role within the cosmetics or
personal care industry.
Demonstrated experience working with a wide range of cosmetic raw materials, emulsion systems,
actives, and preservative systems.
Language: English and Chinese 
Skills & Knowledge
Deep knowledge of cosmetic chemistry, skin biology, and ingredient interactions.
Proficiency with formulation software and laboratory equipment (rheometers, pH meters,
spectrophotometers, etc.).
Strong understanding of global cosmetic regulatory requirements (FDA 21 CFR, EU No. 1223/2009, ISO
22716, etc.).
Experience with stability testing protocols (ICH guidelines or equivalent).
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
Familiarity with ERP and QMS software is a plus.
Soft Skills & Leadership Competencies
- self-starter with high initiative; thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
- innovative and forward-thinking mindset, with ability to seek forward towards continuous improvement.
- results-oriented problem solver who delivers practical, scalable solutions.
- strong ownership mentality with accountability of outcomes.
- effective communicator capable of influencing without authority.
- able to work independently while collaborating seamlessly across teams. 

Medical Group Care logo

About Medical Group Care

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Naples, FL, US

Year founded

2009