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Cosmetic R&D Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This role is ideal for someone looking to gain more cosmetics experience. Key Responsibilities Lab Operations & Housekeeping * Maintain overall organization and cleanliness of the R&D lab, including ...

We are currently looking for an R &D Lab Technician to work for a Greater Los Angeles area cosmetic company. Pay Rate: $21-23/hour depending on experience Summary: Responsible for R&D lab support ...

D Technician I - Hair Color Characterization amp; Evaluation Position Summary The R amp;D ... Associate degree in Chemistry, Biology, Cosmetic Science, Materials Science, or a related field ...

Director of Quality and R&D

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$170K - $175K/yr

... D I D A T E C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S When we consider the ideal candidate for this role, these are the top qualities that come to mind: * 8-12+ years of experience in cosmetics, skincare ...

Associate degree in Chemistry, Biology, Cosmetic Science, Materials Science, or a related field; equivalent relevant laboratory or cosmetology experience may be considered. * 1-3 years of laboratory ...

Associate degree in Chemistry, Biology, Cosmetic Science, Materials Science, or a related field; equivalent relevant laboratory or cosmetology experience may be considered. * 1-3 years of laboratory ...

Cosmetic R D information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do cosmetic r&d jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for cosmetic r&d in California is $25.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $30.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone in a Cosmetic R&D role?

A professional in Cosmetic R&D typically spends their days formulating new skincare, haircare, or makeup products, conducting stability and safety tests, and documenting findings. They often collaborate closely with marketing, regulatory, and production teams to ensure that products are both innovative and compliant with relevant regulations. Additional tasks may include analyzing raw materials, optimizing existing formulas, and staying updated on the latest trends and technological advances in cosmetics. The role demands a balance of hands-on laboratory work and cross-functional teamwork to bring high-quality products from concept to market.

What is a Cosmetic R&D job?

A Cosmetic R&D (Research and Development) job involves creating and improving beauty and personal care products through scientific research and formulation. Professionals in this field work with ingredients, test product stability, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance product performance. They collaborate with marketing and manufacturing teams to develop innovative skincare, haircare, makeup, and fragrance products. The role requires knowledge of chemistry, biology, and formulation science to create safe, effective, and market-ready cosmetics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cosmetic R&D position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Cosmetic R&D, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, or a related scientific field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Expertise with laboratory equipment, formulation software, and regulatory compliance systems such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certifications is highly desirable. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills are essential soft skills for this role. These capabilities are critical for innovating safe and effective cosmetic products that meet industry standards and consumer expectations.

What job categories do people searching Cosmetic R&D jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cosmetic R&D jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cosmetic R&D jobs? Cities in California with the most Cosmetic R&D job openings:
Infographic showing various Cosmetic R&D job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $53,483 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
R & D Lab Coordinator

R & D Lab Coordinator

Cosmetix West

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Salary: $29-$30/hour

Lab Coordinator Position Summary

The Lab Coordinator ensures the R&D laboratory operates safely and efficiently. This role supports chemists and the process engineer by managing daytoday lab operations, equipment maintenance, and sample preparation to aid in new product development. This role is ideal for someone looking to gain more cosmetics experience.

Key Responsibilities

Lab Operations & Housekeeping

  • Maintain overall organization and cleanliness of the R&D lab, including routine and quarterly housekeeping activities.
  • Ensure all raw materials, retains, and lab supplies are stored, labeled, and returned to their proper locations.

Equipment Maintenance & Utilities

  • Perform daily calibration of the pH meter and document results.
  • Coordinate repair and preventative maintenance for lab equipment; serve as primary contact with internal maintenance or external vendors.
  • Ensure all supplies are in stock and ready for batching (DI Water, IPA, clean beakers, etc)

Consumables & Component Management

  • Monitor and order routine lab supplies (e.g., beakers, stirrers, pipettes, Kimwipes, jars, packaging components, foil, etc.) to avoid stockouts.
  • Maintain an organized inventory of packaging components required for customer samples and internal evaluations.

Sample, Retain, and Stability Support

  • Assist stability coordinator in organizing, labeling, and preparing stability and bulk retains according to SOPs.
  • Crosstrain on stability testing and provide coverage when the Stability Coordinator is absent.

Batch Preparation & Support

  • Assist with preparation of additional bulk requests
  • Support raw material qualification swapouts by making 1:1 comparison batches when formulas need updating
  • Fill components and prepare finished samples in response to customer sample requests.

Inventory Management Existing Raw Materials

  • Maintain an organized inventory of all current, approved RMs in the lab, including refilling, relabeling, and returning materials to the appropriate storage areas.
  • Ensure adequate supply of commonly used RMs; flag lowstock items and coordinate reorders.
  • Maintain uniform and compliant labeling and bottling practices for all inlab RMs.