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Cosmetic Product Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Beauty 21 Cosmetics, Inc

Be Seen First

Regulatory Compliance Specialist - Cosmetics

Ontario, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Ensure all cosmetic and personal care products comply with applicable domestic and international regulatory requirements. * Support the Product Development team throughout the product development ...

Beauty 21 Cosmetics, Inc

Be Seen First

Regulatory Compliance Specialist - Cosmetics

Ontario, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Ensure all cosmetic and personal care products comply with applicable domestic and international regulatory requirements. * Support the Product Development team throughout the product development ...

Morphe

Product Development Coordinator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$28.25 - $35.25/hr

Leveraging exceptional product development, regulatory, and supply chain capabilities, we make ... cosmetics. Principle Accountabilities: * Assist in the management of all projects, helping to ...

Tatcha

Sr. Director, Product Development

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$185K - $200K/yr

Job Summary As the Sr. Director of Product Development at Tatcha you'll lead the development of all ... MS in cosmetic science, chemistry, or a related field a plus * 3+ years of people management ...

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All JobsCosmetic Product Development JobsCosmetic Product Development Jobs in California

Cosmetic Product Development information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$125.3K

$142.6K

How much do cosmetic product development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for cosmetic product development in California is $125,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cosmetic product development?

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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a cosmetic product development position?

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.

How much do cosmetic product developers make?

Cosmetic product developers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in managerial roles can earn over $100,000. Skills in formulation, testing, and regulatory compliance are important for higher earning potential.

How to get into cosmetic product development?

To enter cosmetic product development, a background in chemistry, biology, or a related field is often required, along with knowledge of formulation techniques and industry regulations. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in cosmetic companies can be valuable, and familiarity with tools like formulation software and safety testing is beneficial.

What does a cosmetic product developer do?

A cosmetic product developer designs, formulates, and tests new skincare, makeup, and personal care products to ensure safety, efficacy, and market appeal. They often work with ingredients, laboratory equipment, and regulatory guidelines, requiring knowledge of chemistry and product development processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cosmetic Product Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cosmetic Product Development jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cosmetic Product Development jobs in California?

For Cosmetic Product Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cosmetic Product Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cosmetic Product Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cosmetic Product Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cosmetic Product Development job openings:

Cosmetic Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cosmetic Product Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,325 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Product Development Admin III at El Segundo, CA 90245

Buckeye Global IT Inc

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Details:

Job Title: Product Development Admin III

Job Duration: 12 Months Contract with (Potential Extension or FT conversion)

Job Location: El Segundo, CA 90245 (Onsite)

Note:

In office 5 days a week (Onsite)

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Product Development Administrator to support the development of innovative color cosmetics products within the Lip category. This role will partner closely with Product Development, Labs, Packaging, Marketing, and Regulatory teams to evaluate formulas, assess shades and textures, track submissions, and support the successful launch of new products.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in creating product development briefs for laboratory partners.
  • Evaluate formula submissions for texture, payoff, wear, application, scent, and overall performance.
  • Provide feedback on shade development, undertones, and color matching across diverse skin tones.
  • Track formula iterations, maintain feedback logs, and manage approved formula standards.
  • Coordinate internal product testing and collect performance feedback.
  • Conduct competitive benchmarking and monitor beauty industry trends, ingredients, and product innovations.
  • Present trend insights, texture concepts, and color direction recommendations to cross-functional teams.
  • Partner with Packaging, Marketing, Regulatory, and laboratory teams throughout the product development process.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetology, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
  • 2–4 years of cosmetic product development experience, preferably within color cosmetics.
  • Experience evaluating cosmetic formulas, shades, textures, and product performance.
  • Strong understanding of color theory and beauty industry trends.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and project coordination skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Office Suite.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Color & Sensory Acuity: Excellent visual color perception (you will be required to pass a color test) and the ability to articulate sensory texture characteristics (e.g., slip, drag, cushion, tackiness).
  • Market Passion: Deep-seated knowledge of and interest in the beauty industry, pop culture, social media beauty trends (TikTok, Instagram), and professional makeup artistry.
  • Agility & Proactivity: High comfort level in a fast-paced, agile environment where timelines are condensed and priorities shift quickly.
  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to comfortably collaborate with technical chemists and creative marketers alike.
  • Software Proficiency: Experience with Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred

  • Experience supporting lip products (lipstick, lip gloss, lip oil, lip balm, lip stain, etc.).
  • Beauty retail, product innovation, or trend forecasting experience.
  • Passion for makeup artistry, color cosmetics, and emerging beauty trends.