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Cosmetics Formulation Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Cosmetics Formulation information

See Houston, TX salary details

$13

$21

$40

How much do cosmetics formulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cosmetics formulation in Houston, TX is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Houston, TX? For Cosmetics Formulation jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cosmetics Formulation jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Cosmetics Formulation jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Cosmetics Formulation jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Cosmetics Formulation job openings:
Cosmetics Formulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cosmetics Formulation job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,350 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Senior Formulation Chemist- Cosmetics

Bayport Laboratories LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Competitive salary

POSITION PURPOSE
The Senior Formulation Chemist at Bayport Laboratories develops and optimizes innovative cosmetic products, focusing on color cosmetics, skin care, and hair care. This role formulates new products from concept, refines existing formulations, performs testing and analysis, and provides technical guidance and mentorship to laboratory technicians. The Senior Chemist works closely with and reports to the R&D Lab Manager to ensure project milestones, quality standards, and compliance with cGMP and the company’s Quality System are met.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Formulate and reformulate cosmetic products, including color cosmetics, skincare, and hair care, from concept to production-ready formulas.
• Optimize existing formulations for performance, stability, texture, and color payoff.
• Conduct stability, compatibility, and performance testing in accordance with established protocols.
• Lead color matching, shade development, and innovative product concepts using advanced formulation technologies.
• Operate, maintain, and perform calibration checks on laboratory instruments.
• Mentor and provide day-to-day technical guidance to laboratory technicians, ensuring proper procedures and high-quality results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, regulatory, and QA/QC, to support product documentation, ingredient selection, and formula proposals.
• Maintain accurate records of active R&D projects, formulation trials, and laboratory results.
• Support customer programs by tracking progress, reviewing specifications, and ensuring project milestones are met.
• Assist the R&D Lab Manager in scaling laboratory formulations to pilot or production batches, troubleshooting issues, and validating processes.
• Uphold strict adherence to cGMP and ISO 22716 standards, maintaining accurate laboratory documentation and ensuring compliance.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment in line with company and regulatory guidelines.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence within the lab team.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education / Certification:
• 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 cosmetic formulation principles, particularly for color cosmetics (lipsticks, foundations, powders, eyeshadows)
• Familiarity with formulation of skincare and hair care products (creams, serums, shampoos, conditioners)
• Strong understanding of raw materials, pigments, emollients, surfactants, preservatives, and active ingredients
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and safety requirements, including cGMP, FDA regulations, ISO 22716 (2007), and global cosmetic guidelines
• Understanding of stability, compatibility, and performance testing for cosmetic products
Experience:
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience formulating color cosmetics from concept to launch
• Proven experience in developing new formulas from scratch, including selecting ingredients, defining texture, color payoff, and performance characteristics
• Experience in troubleshooting and optimizing existing formulations to improve stability, performance, or cost efficiency
• Track record of collaboration with cross-functional teams (marketing, packaging, QA/QC, regulatory) to deliver innovative products

Skills & Abilities:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify formulation issues and implement solutions efficiently
• Ability to lead and mentor formulation teams, guiding less experienced chemists through complex projects
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple product development timelines simultaneously
• Strong communication skills, able to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Creativity and innovation mindset to develop cutting-edge products that meet market trends and consumer expectations
Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.