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Cosmetics Formulation Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mativ Holdings, Inc.

Formulation Chemist

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Formulation Chemist supports Mativ's Healthcare and Wellness function. This position ensures ... This role formulates products in the medical device, OTC, and occasionally cosmetic spaces ...

Natural Essentials

R&D Formulation Chemist

Aurora, OH · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

R&D Formulation Chemist Bulk Apothecary was founded in mid 2010 as a small brick & mortar specialty ... cosmetic products. * Prepare laboratory-scale batches for evaluation, testing, and formulation ...

Natural Essentials

R&D Formulation Chemist

Aurora, OH · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

R&D Formulation Chemist Our Divisions: Bulk Apothecary was founded in mid 2010 as a small brick ... cosmetic products. * Prepare laboratory-scale batches for evaluation, testing, and formulation ...

SWSCC

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field. * Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in cosmetic formulation, with a focus on skincare ...

Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.

Be Seen First

Director of Cosmetics-Research and Development

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $139K/yr

Lead the formulation, innovation, and development of color cosmetics and skincare products for a Cosmetics manufacturing company. Oversee a team of chemists, and collaborate closely with Marketing ...

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 ...

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Cosmetics Formulation Chemist information

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$35K

$87.7K

$148K

How much do cosmetics formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for cosmetics formulation chemist in the United States is $87,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cosmetics formulation chemist do?

A Cosmetics Formulation Chemist is responsible for developing, testing, and improving cosmetic and personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, makeup, and skincare items. They carefully select and combine ingredients to create safe, effective, and appealing formulas that meet regulatory standards and consumer needs. These professionals often work in laboratories, collaborating with marketing and regulatory teams to ensure products meet quality and safety requirements. Their work involves staying up-to-date with scientific advancements and trends in the cosmetics industry.

What are some common challenges a cosmetics formulation chemist faces when developing new products?

Cosmetics Formulation Chemists often encounter challenges such as balancing product stability with efficacy, meeting regulatory requirements, and sourcing safe, high-quality raw materials. They must also ensure products are compatible with packaging and can withstand shipping or storage conditions. Collaborating closely with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams is essential to ensure that the final formulation meets both consumer expectations and industry standards.

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

To thrive as a Cosmetics Formulation Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Proficiency with laboratory instruments, formulation software, and familiarity with regulatory compliance systems such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) are essential. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills help you innovate and troubleshoot in product development. These competencies ensure safe, effective, and market-ready cosmetic products that meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations.

What is the difference between Cosmetics Formulation Chemist vs Cosmetic Product Development Scientist?

AspectCosmetics Formulation ChemistCosmetic Product Development Scientist
CredentialsDegree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldDegree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, formulation labsResearch labs, product development teams, cross-functional collaboration
Industry UsageFocuses on creating and testing formulationsOversees entire product development process from concept to launch

While both roles involve developing cosmetic products, a Cosmetics Formulation Chemist primarily focuses on creating and testing formulations, whereas a Cosmetic Product Development Scientist oversees the entire product development process, including formulation, testing, and market readiness.

Do cosmetics formulation chemists make good money?

Cosmetics formulation chemists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000 annually, while experienced chemists can earn over $100,000 with specialized skills and certifications. The role often involves working in laboratories with a focus on product development and safety testing.

How to become a cosmetics formulation chemist?

To become a cosmetics formulation chemist, typically a bachelor's degree in chemistry, cosmetic science, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in formulation, and understanding regulatory requirements are important steps. Some professionals pursue advanced certifications or specialized training in cosmetic science to enhance their qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Cosmetics Formulation Chemist jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Cosmetics Formulation Chemist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,733 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

R&D Formulation & Innovation Chemist

Irvine, CA • On-site

PROJECT CHEMISTRY INC
See more jobs at PROJECT CHEMISTRY INCexternal

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Formulate innovative cosmetic products across skincare, haircare, body care, sun care, and emerging categories

  • Develop novel delivery systems, ingredient complexes, and enabling formulation technologies for client and internal innovation programs

  • Design hypothesis-driven experiments, interpret results, and use data to guide development

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Company Description

Project Chemistry is dedicated to transforming the beauty industry with innovative and advanced biotech-driven formulations. We strive to redefine possibilities in science to offer advanced end-to-end solutions. Our mission is to empower emerging and established beauty brands with groundbreaking products that set new standards and define the future of beauty. By bridging technology, science, and creativity, we aim to lead the way in beauty innovation. If you love experimenting in the lab, exploring new technologies, and turning scientific ideas into commercially relevant solutions, you’ll feel right at home here.


Role Description

We’re looking for a curious, creative, and highly experimental R&D Innovation Chemist who is excited to formulate, investigate, invent, and solve challenging technical problems.

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Irvine, CA. The position combines hands-on client formulation development with internal technology innovation, with a particular focus on challenging ingredients, delivery systems, ingredient complexes, stabilization and solubilization strategies, and other enabling formulation technologies.

This is a highly hands-on bench role involving formulation, batching, experimental design, testing, troubleshooting, and technical analysis. The R&D Innovation Chemist will help advance ideas from early hypothesis and proof-of-concept through validation, scale-up, and potential commercialization or intellectual property development.


Key Responsibilities

  • Formulate innovative cosmetic products across skincare, haircare, body care, sun care, and emerging categories
  • Develop novel delivery systems, ingredient complexes, and enabling formulation technologies for client and internal innovation programs
  • Lead solubility mapping, stabilization, and incorporation strategies for novel, unstable, or poorly soluble actives
  • Design hypothesis-driven experiments, interpret results, identify root causes, and use data to guide development
  • Independently advance internal R&D programs from early concept and experimentation through proof-of-concept and validation
  • Conduct stability evaluation, troubleshooting, technical documentation, and performance analysis to support reproducible development
  • Research and evaluate emerging ingredients, scientific literature, supplier technologies, and technical data to identify new innovation opportunities
  • Support analytical testing, scale-up, and technology transfer with contract manufacturers and external laboratories
  • Contribute to technical briefs, scientific data packages, invention documentation, publications and potential intellectual property development
  • Communicate technical findings and scientific rationale clearly to internal teams, clients, suppliers, and external partners


Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cosmetic Science, or a related field
  • BS or MS in Cosmetic Science is strongly preferred
  • 5+ years of hands-on cosmetic or personal care formulation experience
  • Strong knowledge of cosmetic formulation science, raw materials, solubility, stability, and delivery systems
  • Experience designing experiments, troubleshooting formulations, and interpreting technical results
  • Demonstrated ability to independently own technical projects and drive experimental workstreams from concept through completion
  • Experience with scale-up, manufacturing support, technology transfer, or external analytical testing
  • Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills with a creative, curious, and experimental mindset
  • Excellent scientific communication, organization, and documentation skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial R&D environment
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Experience contributing to patents, invention disclosures, publications, technical papers, advanced delivery technologies, or scientific presentations is a plus


Why Join Us?

At Project Chemistry, you’ll work at the intersection of cosmetic formulation, biotechnology, ingredient science, and technology innovation. You’ll have the opportunity to solve difficult formulation challenges, explore emerging technologies, develop new delivery systems and ingredient platforms, generate meaningful scientific data, and contribute to innovations that may become next-generation products, ingredients, intellectual property, and commercial technologies.


You’ll be joining a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where curiosity, experimentation, scientific rigor, and new ideas are encouraged.

Apply