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Cosmetic Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Morphe

Director, Product Development

San Francisco, CA · On-site

This position requires an excellent understanding of product development fundamentals with an expertise in color cosmetics along with the ability to apply strategic thinking throughout ideation and ...

Partners Personnel

Cosmetic Chemist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$35 - $41/hr

Position Overview We are seeking a hands-on Cosmetic Chemist / Product Development Specialist to support formulation development, product optimization, pilot batch manufacturing, and production scale ...

PLZ Aeroscience

Cosmetic R&D Chemist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

PLZ is committed to product stewardship and innovation, strong ethical standards, sustainable ... With guidance from the Manager of R&D, conduct research and development to formulate new cosmetic ...

Tatcha

Director, Product Development

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Job Summary As the Director of Product Development at Tatcha you'll lead the development of Tatcha ... MS in cosmetic science, chemistry, or a related field may substitute for two years of experience ...

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Cosmetic Product Development information

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$42.5K

$127K

$144.5K

How much do cosmetic product development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for cosmetic product development in the United States is $126,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in beauty?

In cosmetic product development, senior roles such as Director of Product Development or Vice President of R&D tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and expertise in formulation, regulatory compliance, and project management.

What does a beauty product developer do?

A beauty product developer designs and formulates cosmetic products such as skincare, makeup, and haircare items. They conduct research, test formulations, and ensure products meet safety and regulatory standards, often using tools like laboratory equipment and software for formulation development. Strong knowledge of ingredients, safety testing, and industry regulations is essential for this role.

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

To thrive in Cosmetic Product Development, you need a solid background in chemistry, formulation science, or a related life sciences field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in product formulation. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, regulatory compliance software, and cosmetic industry certifications such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is highly beneficial. Creativity, strong project management, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that help drive innovation and cross-functional collaboration. These abilities are critical for developing safe, effective, and market-ready cosmetic products in a highly regulated and fast-paced industry.

Who are the big 7 of the beauty industry?

The 'Big 7' of the beauty industry typically refers to the seven largest multinational companies dominating cosmetics and personal care markets, including L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Shiseido, Coty, and Johnson & Johnson. These companies often employ cosmetic product development professionals to create innovative products, requiring skills in formulation, regulatory compliance, and market trends.

What is a Cosmetic Product Development job?

A Cosmetic Product Development job involves creating and formulating new beauty and personal care products, such as skincare, makeup, and haircare items. Professionals in this role work on product formulation, ingredient selection, testing, and regulatory compliance to ensure safety and effectiveness. They collaborate with chemists, marketers, and manufacturers to bring new products from concept to market. Attention to trends, scientific advancements, and consumer preferences is crucial for success in this field.

What are the highest paying jobs in cosmetics?

In cosmetic product development, senior roles such as Director of Product Development, Cosmetic Chemist, and R&D Manager tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive industry experience, and expertise in formulation, regulatory compliance, and project management.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in a Cosmetic Product Development role?

Cosmetic Product Development professionals are usually involved in researching and formulating new products, testing prototypes for stability and safety, and collaborating closely with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams. Their day-to-day tasks often include creating and refining formulations, evaluating ingredient compatibility, documenting results, and attending cross-departmental meetings to ensure project alignment. They may also participate in brainstorming sessions to identify trends and consumer needs, as well as reviewing the latest scientific advancements relevant to the field. The role offers a blend of laboratory work and strategic planning, providing opportunities to contribute both scientifically and creatively to bring innovative beauty products to market.

More about Cosmetic Product Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Cosmetic Product Development jobs? Cities with the most Cosmetic Product Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cosmetic Product Development jobs? The most popular types of Cosmetic Product Development jobs are:
What states have the most Cosmetic Product Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Cosmetic Product Development jobs include:
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Cosmetic Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cosmetic Product Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,987 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Project Manager, Cosmetic Product Development

Cheeky

Saint Petersburg, FL • Remote

$117K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Location: Remote — US time zones required
Experience: 5+ years preferred; open to more senior candidates depending on market and fit
Salary Range: 75,000+ based on experience and country of residence 
 
About Cheeky

Cheeky is an all-natural hygiene brand designed for people who spend a bit too much time online. Instead of leaning into macho aesthetics or faux-luxury, we make high-quality products that are genuinely fun to use. Our flagship product is a deeply moisturizing bar soap packed with ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil. Each bar features an unmistakable fragrance and cheeky internet-inspired names like Pulp Francis and Touch Grass. We have done licensing collaborations with the most popular anime titles in the world including Chainsaw Man and Solo Leveling.
About the role
An e-commerce brand is looking for a Project Manager to own the coordination of the product development process from concept through launch.
You’ll manage multiple concurrent collection launches, each with various SKUs that require formulation, packaging, and manufacturing workstreams. This role is meant for someone who can keep multiple workstreams moving, maintain clarity across stakeholders, and ensure deadlines, priorities, and deliverables stay on track across a fast-moving environment.
You’ll report directly to the CEO and work cross-functionally with the head of product, design, and external partners to make sure everyone is hitting their deadlines.
What you’ll do
  • Drive end-to-end coordination across the product development lifecycle, including formulation, design, bottle/packaging design, and related project phases.
  • Own project timelines and ensure teams keep project management tools current.
  • Follow up with stakeholders on deadlines, open tasks, and deliverables.
  • Keep priorities clear so the team stays focused on the most important work.
  • Help ensure products move successfully from development through launch.
  • Potentially support go-to-market coordination, including cross-functional follow-through with marketing on launch-related work such as email and SMS campaigns.
What we are looking for
  • Strong project management experience, ideally in product development.
  • Excellent organizational skills and strong written and verbal communication.
  • Confidence holding people accountable and addressing missed deadlines directly.
  • High English fluency and strong day-to-day communication ability.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience, with openness to intermediate through senior profiles.
  • Experience managing broader cross-functional projects is a plus.
Nice to have
  • Experience in CPG, cosmetics, beauty, or licensed merchandise is a big plus.
  • Experience with licensed IP / brand approval flows.
  • Product development experience in a consumer products environment.
  • Experience coordinating across product and marketing teams.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-growth, high-output environment.
Working style
The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, structured, proactive, and comfortable following up consistently with team members to keep work moving. This role is especially well suited to someone who is not afraid to ask direct questions, push for updates, and keep teams aligned around deadlines and priorities.
 

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