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Cosmetics Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System One

Analytical Chemist

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

The SME will translate hands-on knowledge of cosmetic formulation, manufacturing, and analytical chemistry into actionable scientific interpretation of regulatory data. Responsibilities * Apply ...

System One

Analytical Chemist

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

The SME will translate hands-on knowledge of cosmetic formulation, manufacturing, and analytical chemistry into actionable scientific interpretation of regulatory data. Responsibilities * Apply ...

System One

Analytical Chemist

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

The SME will translate hands-on knowledge of cosmetic formulation, manufacturing, and analytical chemistry into actionable scientific interpretation of regulatory data. Responsibilities * Apply ...

System One

Analytical Chemist

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

The SME will translate hands-on knowledge of cosmetic formulation, manufacturing, and analytical chemistry into actionable scientific interpretation of regulatory data. Responsibilities * Apply ...

System One

Analytical Chemist

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

The SME will translate hands-on knowledge of cosmetic formulation, manufacturing, and analytical chemistry into actionable scientific interpretation of regulatory data. Responsibilities * Apply ...

System One

Analytical Chemist

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

The SME will translate hands-on knowledge of cosmetic formulation, manufacturing, and analytical chemistry into actionable scientific interpretation of regulatory data. Responsibilities * Apply ...

Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc

Chemist II

Rochester, MN · On-site

$70K/yr

Experience in the area of Pharmaceutical/Cosmetic Chemistry preferred. * Analytical laboratory experience is required. * cGMP experience is required. * Experience with Quality Control testing is ...

Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc

Chemist II

Rochester, MN · On-site

$70K/yr

Experience in the area of Pharmaceutical/Cosmetic Chemistry preferred. * Analytical laboratory experience is required. * cGMP experience is required. * Experience with Quality Control testing is ...

Virginia Career VIEW

Fragrance Chemist

Virginia, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

These chemists conduct research to develop scents for various items including household products and cosmetics. Often times, fragrance chemists work in a lab, creating and testing fragrances, and ...

Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc

Chemist I

Rochester, MN · On-site

$31/hr

Experience in Pharmaceutical/Cosmetic Chemistry preferred. * cGMP experience preferred. * Experience with Quality Control testing is preferred. * Experience with analytical techniques is required.

Talnt

Wet Chemist

Akron, OH · On-site

$70K - $95K/hr

The Wet Chemist supports Research and Development by formulating, testing, and optimizing ... This role is responsible for developing nutraceutical, dietary supplement, cosmetic, and personal ...

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Cosmetics Chemist information

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How much do cosmetics chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cosmetics chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cosmetics chemist do?

A cosmetics chemist is responsible for researching, developing, and testing ingredients and formulas for cosmetic and personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, makeup, and perfumes. They work to create safe, effective, and appealing products that meet regulatory standards and consumer needs. Their tasks often include formulating new products, improving existing ones, and ensuring quality control during production. Cosmetics chemists also stay updated with ingredient trends and safety regulations to ensure their products are both innovative and compliant.

What are some common challenges faced by cosmetics chemists when developing new products?

Cosmetics chemists often encounter challenges such as ensuring product stability, achieving desired textures or fragrances, and complying with regulatory requirements. Balancing innovation with safety is crucial, as formulas must be effective yet gentle on the skin. Additionally, chemists frequently collaborate with marketing teams, packaging engineers, and regulatory specialists to ensure the final product meets both consumer expectations and legal standards. Staying current with ingredient trends and evolving regulations is also essential in this dynamic role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cosmetics chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cosmetics Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry or chemical engineering, often with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and regulatory systems like FDA or EU Cosmetics Regulation is essential. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These competencies ensure product safety, innovation, and compliance, which are critical for success in the cosmetics industry.

What is the difference between Cosmetics Chemist vs Cosmetic Formulator?

AspectCosmetics ChemistCosmetic Formulator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemistry, cosmetic science, or related fieldSimilar educational background, often with additional training in formulation
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, testing facilitiesLaboratories, production facilities, R&D teams
Industry UsageDevelops and tests new cosmetic ingredients and productsCreates and adjusts product formulations for cosmetics

Both Cosmetics Chemists and Cosmetic Formulators work in cosmetic R&D, often with similar educational backgrounds. While Chemists focus on ingredient development and testing, Formulators specialize in creating and refining product formulations. The roles are closely related, with overlapping skills and work environments, making them common points of comparison in the cosmetics industry.

Do cosmetics chemists make good money?

Cosmetics chemists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000 annually, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000. The role often requires knowledge of formulation, lab work, and safety regulations, which can influence earning potential.

Is a cosmetics chemist a good career?

A cosmetics chemist is a professional who develops and tests cosmetic products, often requiring a background in chemistry or related sciences and knowledge of formulation techniques. The career offers opportunities in the beauty and personal care industry, with potential for advancement and specialization, but job satisfaction depends on individual interests and industry demand.

Is a cosmetics chemist in high demand?

Cosmetics chemists are in steady demand due to the growing beauty and personal care industry. They typically require knowledge of formulation, safety testing, and regulatory compliance, and employment opportunities are available in manufacturing, research labs, and product development firms.
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Cities with the most Cosmetics Chemist job openings:

What states have the most Cosmetics Chemist jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Cosmetics Chemist jobs?

For Cosmetics Chemist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Cosmetics Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cosmetics Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.

Analytical Chemist

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

System One
Business Consulting Services • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about System Oneexternal

$40 - $50/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Analytical Chemist Location: Silver Spring, MD Work Model: Onsite Hours: M-F normal business hours Compensation: $40.00 - $50.00/hr Type: 6+ month contract Overview Seeking an Analytical/Cosmetic Manufacturing Chemist with deep chemistry expertise in pharmaceutical sciences and botanicals as applied to the cosmetic industry. This role provides scientific support to efforts around cosmetic product registration, listing, ingredient safety assessment, adverse event analysis, and the development of tools, guidance, and policies that strengthen cosmetic product safety oversight. The SME will translate hands-on knowledge of cosmetic formulation, manufacturing, and analytical chemistry into actionable scientific interpretation of regulatory data. Responsibilities

  • Apply chemistry expertise across development, scale-up, manufacturing, product formulation, and analytical specifications to interpret information available as it relates to cosmetic product safety data.
  • Provide scientific input on GMP-related considerations affecting compliance and risk posture.
  • Apply analytical and manufacturing chemistry knowledge to support compliance assignments and risk assessment of cosmetic products and ingredients, drawing on facility data, product listings, and adverse event information available.
  • Support the development of tools that assess how chemical information submitted through Cosmetic Registration and Listing programs can be used to identify ingredients and finished products with greater precision and consistency.
  • Provide recommendations to address challenges in cosmetic product listings, including incomplete or missing information such as product labels and ingredient details in adverse event reports.
  • Identify opportunities to improve the chemical identifiability of products in regulatory data systems.
  • Provide scientific input toward the development of guidance documents and policies related to Good Manufacturing Practices in the cosmetics industry.
Qualifications Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline. Advanced degree (MS/PhD) strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in cosmetics or personal care product manufacturing, with demonstrated depth across analytical method development, formulation chemistry, and GMP environments.
  • Working knowledge of FDA regulatory frameworks governing cosmetics manufacturing, including MoCRA requirements and applicable GMP guidance (e.g., ISO 22716 alignment).
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret analytical chemistry data and manufacturing records to support compliance and risk assessment conclusions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical chemistry and manufacturing concepts for regulatory and policy audiences.
Preferred:
  • Prior experience supporting FDA, CFSAN, or another federal regulatory body in a scientific advisory capacity.
  • Experience with cosmetic facility inspections, GMP audits, or quality systems implementation in a cosmetics manufacturing setting.
  • Familiarity with adverse event databases (e.g., CAERS) and product listing systems.
  • Experience contributing to regulatory guidance, policy documents, or industry best-practice publications.
  • Background in tool or data system development supporting chemical identification or regulatory science workflows.
  • Preference is for candidates with 3–5 years of industry experience in areas such as: R&D, Product Safety, Food, Drug, or Cosmetics Manufacturing, Process Development, QA/QC, Regulatory Compliance

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan. System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #M- #LI- Ref: #558-Scientific

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About System One

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

System One helps employers get work done more efficiently and economically without compromising quality. Over our 35+ year history, we've helped connect thousands of talented people with innovative companies. The excitement of a perfect fit motivates us every single day.

Industry

Business consulting services and recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

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