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Cosmetics Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chemist II

Rochester, MN · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

New

Chemist II

Rochester, MN · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

New

Regulatory Lead

Torrance, CA

$28 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Regulatory Lead uses a strong foundation in cosmetic chemistry to evaluate raw ingredients, oversee regulatory documentation, and act as the main point of contact for customers and external ...

Wet Chemist

Akron, OH

$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 ...

Chemist

Walnut, CA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

This position will be responsible for formulating cosmetic products of all different forms and ensuring quality and stability of each product from lab to production. The Chemist will also be ...

Analytical Chemist

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Analytical Chemist - OTC & Personal Care Department: Research & Development Location: Ottawa, IL ... Conduct reverse engineering studies on competitive cosmetic, personal care, and OTC products.

Position Summary The Senior Formulation Chemist will lead the formulation development of innovative skincare, haircare, body care, color cosmetics, and hybrid beauty products from concept through ...

Regulatory Lead

Torrance, CA

$28 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Regulatory Lead uses a strong foundation in cosmetic chemistry to evaluate raw ingredients, oversee regulatory documentation, and act as the main point of contact for customers and external ...

Quality Chemist

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensure products meet FDA, ISO, GMP, and other regulatory guidelines for cosmetics. * Review and ... QUALIFICATIONS · Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field. · Proven experience as a ...

The Formulation Chemist will support formulation projects by preparing prototypes, conducting ... Support the development and customization of cosmetic formulations for skin care, hair care, sun ...

  • PTO

The Formulation Chemist will support formulation projects by preparing prototypes, conducting ... Support the development and customization of cosmetic formulations for skin care, hair care, sun ...

Showing results 21-40

Cosmetics Chemist information

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$17

$30

$52

How much do cosmetics chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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 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.

Is a cosmetics chemist a good career?

A cosmetics chemist is a specialized role involving the development and testing of cosmetic products, requiring knowledge of chemistry, formulation skills, and often a degree in chemistry or a related field. The career offers opportunities in the beauty and personal care industry, with potential for advancement and involvement in research and innovation.

Is a cosmetics chemist in high demand?

Cosmetics chemists are in steady demand due to the growing beauty and personal care industry. They often work in laboratories developing new products, requiring knowledge of chemistry and formulation skills, with employment prospects influenced by industry innovation and consumer trends.

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 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 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 a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in formulation and regulatory compliance can earn higher salaries, especially in larger companies or competitive markets.
More about Cosmetics Chemist jobs
What cities are hiring for Cosmetics Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Cosmetics Chemist job openings:
What states have the most Cosmetics Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Cosmetics Chemist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cosmetics Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% 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.

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Intermountain Blending & Filling is looking for a Formulation Chemist to develop and improve personal care and home care formulas for IBF customers. The Formulation Chemist is the subject matter expert (SME) with regards to formulated products and their raw materials. The Formulation Chemist is responsible for developing liquids, emulsions, and powder formulas in the personal care, skin care, hair care, home care, cleaning, pet, spa, and laundry categories within customer and regional requirements. The Formulation Chemist may function as a working Chemist, with responsibilities to supervise more junior R&D staff.


(Please note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position)


What You'll Do:

  • Formulate and facilitate the development of innovative products, line extensions, and product improvements in personal care and home care products
  • Identify and maintain external partnerships to develop new technologies and conceptual ideas in personal care and home care
  • Review current literature regarding formulations and regulatory aspects
  • Provide technical support to manufacturing on new and existing products
  • Manage scale-up from R&D lab batches to pilot validation runs with Process Engineering, owning each product's efficacy and quality through the development phase and overseeing the transition to the Process Engineering team
  • Assist QA (Quality Assurance)/QC (Quality Control) in development of test methods for raw materials and finished products
  • Create specifications for raw materials and laboratory, scale-up, and production formulation batches
  • Source chemical samples from suppliers and create evaluation samples for customers
  • Evaluate costing, lead times, and minimum order quantities (MOQs) when sourcing potential new chemicals for formulations
  • Understand customer requirements and formulate to desired marketing claims and ingredient restrictions
  • Assist with production testing as needed, including validation runs
  • Assist with evaluation of new product, packaging, and equipment needs
  • Coordinate stability, microbiological, safety, and efficacy tests
  • Maintain constant cross-functional communication with Legal, Research and Development (R&D), and customer Manufacturing teams
  • Maintain laboratory order and cleanliness
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment
  • Maintain laboratory equipment, managing preventive maintenance (PM) and calibrations
  • Oversee consumables supply inventories and create requisitions to replenish as needed
  • Train and supervise other R&D personnel (Chemists and Technicians) as a working Supervisor
  • Provide information and reports to support regulatory/compliance related submissions
  • Perform all other assigned tasks and requirements as needed

We're Looking For:

  • B.S. degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
  • 3+ years of formulation and production experience
  • 2+ years of experience in development of personal care products
  • Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) membership a plus
  • Strong knowledge of formulations for personal care and home care products that can deliver a fragrance experience
  • Knowledge of laundry products and their formulation
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced laboratory environment, working safely with laboratory equipment, chemicals, and manufacturing raw materials, including fragrances
  • Ability to gain familiarity with compounding equipment
  • Laboratory background in analytical instrumentation with working knowledge in gas chromatography, rheometers, and FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared), a plus
  • Strong knowledge of safety data sheets (SDS)
  • Clear and direct written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to consult with Compounders, Quality team members, and IBF customers in a clear and helpful manner
  • Ability to determine smell and color hues
  • Frequently exposed to strong scents and raw chemicals
  • Ability to occasionally bend, sit, squat, crawl, walk, and reach above shoulder level
  • Ability to frequently read, comprehend, write, perform complex mathematic calculations, communicate orally, and reason and analyze
  • Ability to write detailed INCI decks, batch cards, formulas, and technical reports
  • Working knowledge of computers and all applicable software including Microsoft Office Suite
  • Working knowledge of SAP or comparable ERP systems