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Cosmetics Formulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

e.l.f. Beauty

Sr. Chemist, rhode

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $140K/yr

Cosmetics since 2004 and driven our portfolio expansion. Today, our multi-brand portfolio includes ... Independently work on formulation projects based on product briefs provided by Product Development ...

Murad

Global Head of R&D

El Segundo, CA · Hybrid

Product Development & Formulation * Oversee development of cosmetic, OTC drug, and nutraceutical products from concept through commercialization. * Ensure all formulations meet performance, stability ...

Murad

Global Head of R&D

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Product Development & Formulation * Oversee development of cosmetic, OTC drug, and nutraceutical products from concept through commercialization. * Ensure all formulations meet performance, stability ...

ZO Skin Health, Inc

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

Minimum 8+ years of skincare formulation and product development experience, including cosmetics, OTC, and/or Rx products. * Previous experience leading technical teams and mentoring scientific staff.

ZO Skin Health, Inc.

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

Minimum 8+ years of skincare formulation and product development experience, including cosmetics, OTC, and/or Rx products. * Previous experience leading technical teams and mentoring scientific staff.

Kelly Services

Cosmetic Chemist

Long Beach, CA

$26 - $28/hr

Maintain proper documentation in lab notebooks, including formulation data, procedures, specifications, and stability information. * Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as pH meters ...

CTK OTC Laboratories LLC

R&D Scientist

Corona, CA · On-site

· Develop, modify, and optimize formulations for skincare, color cosmetics, suncare, hair care ... experimentation, data capture, formulation iteration, technical knowledge retention, and ...

Astrix Inc

QC Chemist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Pay Rate Low: 26 | Pay Rate High: 28 Our client, a leading cosmetics manufacturer, is looking for a ... formulation development, testing, and optimization * Prepare, review, and organize quality ...

Tatcha

Director, Product Development

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Our formulation philosophy is informed by the Japanese concept hinou dokon, which means "skin-mind ... MS in cosmetic science, chemistry, or a related field may substitute for two years of experience ...

Tu-K Industries Inc

Account Coordinator

South Gate, CA · On-site

$22/hr

We provide end-to-end formulation and production support for a wide range of customers. As a ... beauty, cosmetics, and consumer trends - Strong written and verbal communication skills - Basic ...

Tu-K Industries Inc

Account Coordinator

South Gate, CA · On-site

$22/hr

We provide end-to-end formulation and production support for a wide range of customers. As a ... beauty, cosmetics, and consumer trends - Strong written and verbal communication skills - Basic ...

Tu-K Industries Inc

Account Coordinator

South Gate, CA · On-site

$22/hr

We provide end-to-end formulation and production support for a wide range of customers. As a ... beauty, cosmetics, and consumer trends - Strong written and verbal communication skills - Basic ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCosmetics Formulation JobsCosmetics Formulation Jobs in California

Cosmetics Formulation information

What is the difference between Cosmetics Formulation vs Cosmetic Chemist?

AspectCosmetics FormulationCosmetic Chemist
Required CredentialsDegree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or related field; knowledge of formulation techniquesDegree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related; often with advanced certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesResearch labs, product development teams, quality control
Industry UsageDeveloping new cosmetic products, improving formulationsDesigning, testing, and optimizing cosmetic formulas

Cosmetics Formulation involves creating and developing cosmetic products, focusing on formulation techniques. Cosmetic Chemists typically have similar educational backgrounds but may also engage in testing and regulatory compliance. Both roles are essential in the cosmetic industry, often overlapping in responsibilities, but formulation emphasizes practical development, while chemists focus on scientific analysis and product stability.

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

Cosmetics formulation professionals often encounter challenges such as ensuring product safety and stability, meeting regulatory requirements, and achieving the desired sensory properties like texture and fragrance. Balancing innovative ingredients with cost-effectiveness and scalability for mass production can also be complex. Additionally, formulators must collaborate closely with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams to align product performance with consumer expectations and brand standards.

What is cosmetics formulation?

Cosmetics formulation is the science and process of creating and mixing ingredients to develop products such as creams, lotions, shampoos, makeup, and other beauty items. Formulators must carefully select ingredients for safety, effectiveness, and aesthetic qualities, ensuring the final product meets regulatory standards and consumer expectations. This field combines knowledge of chemistry, biology, and product design to produce safe, effective, and appealing cosmetic products.

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

To thrive as a Cosmetics Formulation Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, cosmetic science, and product development, often supported by a relevant degree such as chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, formulation software, regulatory systems (like FDA or EU regulations), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving and communication skills are highly valued in this role. These skills ensure the development of safe, effective, and innovative cosmetic products that meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations.
What are popular job titles related to Cosmetics Formulation jobs in California? For Cosmetics Formulation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cosmetics Formulation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cosmetics Formulation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cosmetics Formulation jobs? Cities in California with the most Cosmetics Formulation job openings:
Cosmetics Formulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cosmetics Formulation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Sr. Chemist, rhode

e.l.f. Beauty

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$105K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

About the Company
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Our deep commitment to clean, cruelty free beauty at an incredible value has fueled the success of our flagship brand e.l.f. Cosmetics since 2004 and driven our portfolio expansion. Today, our multi-brand portfolio includes e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. SKIN, Well People - clean beauty powered by plants, Naturium - high-performance, biocompatible, clinically-effective and accessible skin care, and our newest brand, rhode skin - developed by Hailey Rhode Bieber, a line of curated skincare essentials, formulated for a variety of skin types and needs with high performance ingredients, it's a daily routine that nourishes your skin barrier over time
In our Fiscal year 26, we had net sales of $1.6 Billion and our business performance has been nothing short of extraordinary with 30 consecutive quarters of net sales growth. We are the #2 mass cosmetics brand in the US and are the fastest growing mass cosmetics brand among the top 5. Our total compensation philosophy offers every full-time new hire competitive pay and benefits, bonus eligibility (200% of target over the last seven fiscal years), equity, flexible time off, year-round half-day Fridays, and a hybrid 3 day in office, 2 day at home work environment. We believe the combination of our unique culture, total compensation, workplace flexibility and care for the team is unmatched across not just beauty but any industry.
Visit our Career Page to learn more about our team: https://www.elfbeauty.com/work-with-us
rhode is seeking a Senior Research & Development Chemist, who is well versed in formulating personal care products, to join the team and play an integral role in formulating innovative products for our business. Reporting to the Director of Research and Development, you will be responsible for research, formulation, and managing cross-functional team projects.
What You'll Do
  • Independently work on formulation projects based on product briefs provided by Product Development team
  • Make batches of formulation projects
  • Create formula revisions based on feedback from testing team
  • Adjust batches as needed to meet formula specification requirements
  • Maintain clear and accurate records of formulations, procedures, observations and results
  • Prepare and log samples for submission
  • Calculate appropriate specification ranges and create CofAs for formulas
  • Conduct stability testing and keep accurate records
  • Order raw material samples and maintain raw material storage room
  • Request raw material documentation from vendors and maintain documents organized in shared folder
  • Maintain formulation software
  • Prepare bulk to be sent out to third party testing laboratories as needed
  • Validate other chemist's formulas
  • Contribute to routine laboratory housekeeping and day-to-day operations of the laboratory
  • Calibrate lab equipment
  • Supervise scale up batches at Contract Manufacturers, providing instructions and recommendations as needed
  • Communicate with Product Development, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory teams as needed
  • Assist other lab staff as needed

What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's in Science in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent
  • 5+ years' experience working as a formulation/bench chemist in a personal care formulation laboratory. Experience formulating OTC products - nice to have.
  • Must have experience using mixers, homogenizers, viscometers, and pH meters
  • Strong knowledge of the following:
    • Functionality of raw materials used in personal care formulations
    • Ingredient listing
    • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • Experience maintaining a formulation software or database required (formula breakdown and entry of raw materials, including CAS, INCI, and cost information)
  • Experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel etc.) or Google Workspace
  • Highly organized, detail oriented, and able to independently manage multiple priority projects
  • Must be a critical thinker and have strong problem-solving skills
  • Agile and comfortable working in fast paced environment
  • Must have strong communication skills and ability to explain technical information to a non-technical audience
  • Willing to travel to contract manufacturer sites and supervise scale up batches as needed

Other Details for Consideration
  • Position is located: Santa Monica, CA
  • Office requirement: 5 days in our Lab in Santa Monica
  • Budgeted Salary Range: 105K-140K

$105,000 - $140,000 a year
The base salary range for this role is listed above.
Total compensation includes base salary, annual company-based performance bonus, and equity. Under e.l.f.'s annual bonus program, employees are eligible to earn up to 200% of their target bonus when company performance exceeds defined goals. In addition, e.l.f. provides a variety of other benefits to employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, gender neutral parental leave, and unlimited paid time off. The amount of total compensation (including base salary) offered will be based on a wide range of factors, including geographic location, experience, specific skills, and qualifications.
Compensation components are subject to change at the company's discretion
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this position. It also reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified, and shall not be considered, as detailed description of all the work required inherent in the job. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, and it is subject to changes and exceptions at the supervisors' discretion.
e.l.f. Beauty respects your privacy. Please see our Job Applicant Privacy Notice (www.elfbeauty.com/us-job-applicant-privacy-notice) for how your personal information is used and shared.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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