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Cosmetic Scientist Jobs (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

FACE FOUNDRIÉ

Cosmetic Chemist

Osceola, WI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering or related field * 3+ years of experience in cosmetic or personal care product formulation * Working knowledge of GMP ...

FACE FOUNDRIÉ

Cosmetic Chemist

Osceola, WI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering or related field * 3+ years of experience in cosmetic or personal care product formulation * Working knowledge of GMP ...

Prevail Recruiting

Formulation Scientist

Murrieta, CA · On-site

... Formulation Scientist to lead the development of innovative, high-performance products using ... The ideal candidate combines strong cosmetic chemistry expertise with a genuine passion for clean ...

New

System One

Associate Scientist

Princeton, NJ · Remote

$25 - $30/hr

Minimum 2 - 4 years is desired preferably in personal care or cosmetic sciences * Experience working in a scientific laboratory setting. * Must be comfortable using various forms of instrumentation i ...

Bayport Laboratories

NY · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Cosmetic Science * Additional certifications in cosmetic formulation or regulatory compliance are a plus Required Knowledge: * Expertise in ...

System One Holdings, LLC

Associate Scientist

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Minimum 2 - 4 years is desired preferably in personal care or cosmetic sciences * Experience working in a scientific laboratory setting. * Must be comfortable using various forms of instrumentation i ...

System One

Hair Care Formulation Scientist

Cranbury, NJ · On-site

$70/hr

Bachelor's or Master's in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline * Minimum 4+ years of hands-on formulation experience in hair care R&D ...

System One

Hair Care Formulation Scientist

Cranbury, NJ · On-site

$70/hr

Bachelor's or Master's in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline * Minimum 4+ years of hands-on formulation experience in hair care R&D ...

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Cosmetic Scientist information

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$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do cosmetic scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for cosmetic scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cosmetic scientist do?

A Cosmetic Scientist researches, formulates, and tests beauty and personal care products, such as skincare, haircare, and makeup. They apply chemistry, biology, and pharmacology to develop safe and effective formulations that meet industry regulations. Their work includes selecting ingredients, improving product stability, and ensuring consumer safety. Cosmetic Scientists often collaborate with marketing and regulatory teams to bring innovative products to market.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a cosmetic scientist?

As a Cosmetic Scientist, your daily responsibilities often include developing and testing new formulas, evaluating product stability and safety, and documenting formulation processes. You’ll also spend time conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and working closely with cross-functional teams such as marketing, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance. Keeping up to date with industry trends and staying compliant with regulatory standards is also part of the job. This collaborative and detail-oriented environment offers opportunities to innovate and contribute to the launch of new beauty and personal care products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cosmetic scientist?

To thrive as a Cosmetic Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, or a related scientific field, often supported by at least a bachelor's degree in cosmetic science or a similar discipline. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, formulation software, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and relevant safety certifications is highly valuable. Attention to detail, creativity, effective teamwork, and strong communication skills are essential soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure safe, effective product development, regulatory compliance, and productive collaboration with marketing, regulatory, and R&D teams.

Are cosmetic scientists in demand?

Cosmetic scientists are in demand due to the growing beauty and personal care industry, which emphasizes product innovation and safety. They often work in laboratories, developing new formulations, and require knowledge of chemistry, skincare ingredients, and regulatory standards. Employment prospects are generally strong, especially for those with advanced degrees and experience in product development or quality control.

How do you become a cosmetic scientist?

To become a cosmetic scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in cosmetic or pharmaceutical companies, along with developing skills in formulation, testing, and regulatory compliance, is essential for advancing in this career.

How much money do cosmetic scientists make?

Cosmetic scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced professionals earning over $100,000. Salaries can vary based on education, experience, location, and the complexity of formulations they develop in laboratory settings.
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Cosmetic Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cosmetic Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Principle Cosmetic Scientist (Skin Care)

Universal Beauty Products

Glendale Heights, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Description: Principle Cosmetic Scientist (Skin care) 

We are looking for a scientist with good problem solving and decision-making skills with ability to prioritize multiple projects while working independently.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Researching new products, chemistry, and skincare innovation driving new business opportunities

• Ability to reverse engineer formulation of skin care products

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

• Collaborate and support process engineering

• Other responsibilities as assigned by the R&D Management 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or related discipline required with a minimum 5 years’ experience in Skin care formulation

• In depth knowledge of principles of cosmetic science

• Experience formulating O/W, W/O emulsions, gels, pomades, mousses formulations. OTC formulations (Optional)

• Experience with regulatory requirements as it pertains to cosmetic/personal care formulation

Universal Beauty Products, Inc., based upon a philosophy of quality, performance and integrity, is committed to providing the highest quality of products to our customers at competitive prices using the most efficient methods possible and with the highest level of ingredients. Universal Beauty Products, Inc., takes pride in being able to guarantee all its products on efficacy as well as safety. Finally, the entire Universal Beauty Products, Inc., Family is committed to producing performance proven products and providing superior customer service.