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Cosmetic Science Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Primally Pure

Cosmetic Formulator Scientist

Murrieta, CA

$100K - $130K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred. * 3-5+ years of hands-on formulation experience within skincare or personal ...

New

Caliscc

New Product Development Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Marketing, Business, or a related field preferred. * 5+ years of experience in cosmetic new product development for skin and/or hair ...

ZO Skin Health, Inc.

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related scientific discipline required; advanced degree preferred. * Minimum 8+ years of skincare formulation and product ...

PRIMALLY PURE LLC

Technical Product Developer

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and/or Cosmetic Science is required. * Minimum 3+ years' R&D Chemistry Formulation or Technical Product Developer role in Consumer Products ...

ZO Skin Health, Inc

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related scientific discipline required; advanced degree preferred. * Minimum 8+ years of skincare formulation and product ...

ZO Skin Health, Inc.

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related scientific discipline required; advanced degree preferred. * Minimum 8+ years of skincare formulation and product ...

Eurofins Scientific

EMC Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Company Description Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a ... cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organization services. It is one of ...

CTK OTC Laboratories LLC

R&D Scientist

Corona, CA · On-site

· Develop, modify, and optimize formulations for skincare, color cosmetics, suncare, hair care, body care, personal care, and applicable OTC products. · Translate customer and marketing briefs into ...

BioPhase Solutions

QA Inspector

Riverside, CA · On-site

$24.50/hr

... Scientific community. We are currently looking for QA Inspectors to work for a leading Greater Riverside area cosmetic company. 2nd Shift Pay Rate: $24/hour (2nd shift: $24.50/hour) temp-to-hire: 6 ...

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Cosmetic Science information

See Riverside, CA salary details

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How much do cosmetic science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for cosmetic science in Riverside, CA is $26.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cosmetic science?

A Cosmetic Science job involves researching, developing, and testing personal care and beauty products like skincare, haircare, and makeup. Professionals in this field work to ensure product safety, effectiveness, and compliance with regulations. They may specialize in formulation, product evaluation, regulatory affairs, or quality control. Careers in cosmetic science exist in industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in cosmetic science?

A typical day in Cosmetic Science involves researching and developing new formulations, testing product prototypes in the lab, and analyzing ingredients to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. You may collaborate with marketing teams, regulatory specialists, and manufacturing departments to bring new products from concept to shelf. Daily tasks often include maintaining detailed records, troubleshooting formulation challenges, and keeping up with emerging trends and technologies. Working in this role offers a dynamic blend of hands-on experimental work and cross-functional teamwork, making it ideal for those who enjoy both science and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in cosmetic science, and why are they important?

To thrive in Cosmetic Science, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and product formulation, usually supported by a degree in cosmetic science, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and regulatory guidelines such as FDA or EU cosmetics regulations is essential. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective teamwork and communication distinguish top professionals in this field. These competencies ensure effective development of safe, innovative products that meet industry standards and consumer expectations.

Are cosmetic scientists in demand?

Cosmetic scientists are in demand due to the growing beauty and personal care industry, which requires expertise in formulation, ingredient safety, and product development. Employment opportunities are available in manufacturing, research labs, and product companies, often requiring knowledge of industry regulations and proficiency with laboratory tools. The field offers steady job prospects as consumer interest in innovative and safe products continues to rise.

Do cosmetic scientists make good money?

Cosmetic scientists typically earn a competitive salary, with median wages varying by experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in research and development roles. Certifications and advanced degrees can also influence earning potential.

What can I do with a cosmetic science degree?

A cosmetic science degree prepares individuals for roles such as cosmetic chemist, formulation scientist, or product developer in the beauty and personal care industry. Graduates can work in laboratories, develop new products, and use tools like laboratory equipment and industry regulations to ensure safety and efficacy.

What does a cosmetic scientist do?

A cosmetic scientist develops and formulates skincare, haircare, and beauty products by researching ingredients, testing formulations, and ensuring safety and efficacy. They often work in laboratories, use scientific methods, and may need knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and regulatory standards.

What are popular job titles related to Cosmetic Science jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Cosmetic Science jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cosmetic Science jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cosmetic Science jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Cosmetic Science jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Cosmetic Science job openings:

Cosmetic Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cosmetic Science job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,431 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Cosmetic Formulator Scientist

Primally Pure

Murrieta, CA

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

The Opportunity

A growing clean skincare and personal care company is seeking an experienced Formulation Scientist to lead the development of innovative, high-performance products using natural, non-toxic, and clean ingredients.

This is a hands-on formulation role with ownership across the full product development lifecycle—from initial concept and ingredient selection through testing, scale-up, manufacturing, and commercial launch. The ideal candidate combines strong cosmetic chemistry expertise with a genuine passion for clean, natural, and high-performance skincare formulation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the research, formulation, development, and optimization of new skincare and personal care products from concept through launch.
  • Develop and refine formulas for performance, stability, safety, efficacy, and consumer experience.
  • Select and validate raw materials consistent with clean beauty, sustainability, and performance standards.
  • Design and execute stability, compatibility, and microbial testing programs.
  • Maintain detailed formula, batch, testing, and development documentation.
  • Identify innovative natural and clean ingredients and emerging formulation technologies.
  • Partner with ingredient suppliers and evaluate sustainable, regenerative, and wildcrafted ingredient options.
  • Ensure formulations meet applicable regulatory requirements and internal clean beauty standards.
  • Support product claims substantiation and collaborate with Quality on raw material and finished-product testing.
  • Provide technical guidance during scale-up and production runs, ensuring formula integrity as products transition from the lab into manufacturing.
  • Partner closely with Marketing, Production, Quality, and other stakeholders throughout product development.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior formulators and laboratory team members.

Ideal Background

The strongest candidate will bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred.
  • 3–5+ years of hands-on formulation experience within skincare or personal care.
  • Meaningful experience developing natural, clean, organic, or non-toxic formulations.
  • Strong understanding of cosmetic chemistry, formulation techniques, ingredient functionality, preservation, and product stability.
  • Demonstrated success taking products from initial formulation through commercial launch.
  • Experience with stability, compatibility, and microbial testing.
  • Knowledge of cosmetic regulatory and labeling requirements.
  • Familiarity with clean beauty standards and certifications such as USDA Organic and EWG Verified.
  • Experience with ERP, WMS, and/or formulation software.
  • Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

What Will Make Someone Stand Out

We are particularly interested in formulators who have hands-on experience developing products such as balms, serums, deodorants, creams, oils, and other skincare/personal care products and who understand the unique technical challenges associated with natural formulations.

Experience working with regenerative or wildcrafted ingredients, natural preservation systems, clean ingredient sourcing, INCI requirements, and third-party clean/organic certifications would be highly valuable.