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Cosmetics Formulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist Color Cosmetics

Lewisville, TX ยท On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Under general guidance, responsible for creating unique skin and color cosmetic formulations that ... Leverage knowledge of the scientific principles of formulation, ingredient chemistry, and industry ...

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

EDUCATION โ€ข Bachelor's degree with a Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field. WORK EXPERIENCE โ€ข Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on formulation experience in the ...

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

EDUCATION โ€ข Bachelor's degree with a Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field. WORK EXPERIENCE โ€ข Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on formulation experience in the ...

Cosmetic Chemist

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$35 - $41/hr

Position Overview We are seeking a hands-on Cosmetic Chemist / Product Development Specialist to support formulation development, product optimization, pilot batch manufacturing, and production scale ...

R&D Formulation Scientist

Columbus, IN ยท On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Summary We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Microbiologist / Formulation ... Experience in regulated environments such as pharmaceutical, biotech, personal care, cosmetics ...

Formulation Chemist Mativ is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta ... This role formulates products in the medical device, OTC, and occasionally cosmetic spaces ...

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 ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related science. * 2+ years of formulation experience in cosmetics, personal care, or health & beauty. * Experience in fast-paced product development ...

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Cosmetics Formulation information

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$14

$22

$42

How much do cosmetics formulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cosmetics formulation in the United States is $22.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $22.84 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.
More about Cosmetics Formulation jobs
What cities are hiring for Cosmetics Formulation jobs? Cities with the most Cosmetics Formulation job openings:
What states have the most Cosmetics Formulation jobs? States with the most job openings for Cosmetics Formulation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cosmetics Formulation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,488 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Senior Formulation Scientist and Quality Assurance

Medical Group Care

Naples, FL โ€ข On-site

$120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Formulation & Quality Assurance
Scientist to join our growing team. In this dual-focus role, you will be responsible for developing innovative,
safe, and effective formulations across FDA-regulated categories in cosmetics and health while ensuring that all products meet rigorous quality, regulatory, and
safety standards. The ideal candidate brings a deep passion for cosmetic science, a sharp analytical mindset,
and a proven track record in both the lab and in quality systems.
Key Responsibilities
Ideation, Strategy & Market Opportunity
-
lead white space research and competitive landscape analysis to identify consumer needs and market share growth opportunities across cosmetics, OTC, and medical device categories to grow (own merit) category for both retail and cobtorl brands.
- benchmark formulations, claims, performance, and cost structures against national brands and category leaders to infomr innovation and positioning strategies.
translate cosnumer insights, clinical needs, and regulatory constraints into clear technical and commercialization roadmaps.ย 
Product Formulation & Technical Ownership
- own the development and formulation specifications as the subject-matter-expert (SME)
- design, develop, and optimize skincare formulations across Cosmetic skincare and personal care assortments, OTC drug products (e.g. acne, dandruff, skin protectants, suncreens, cold/cough remedies, digestive health) and Medical devices and combination products, where applicable
- take full ownership of formulations, including composition, processing parameters, stabilty, performance, and cost optimization.
- source and evaluate raw materials and active ingredients in collaboration with key stakeholders and maintain clear communication in driving cost-effective startegy(ies) while maintaining competitive in market share.
- guide and parter with contract manufacturers (co-mans) and their technical teams, providing direction on formulation refinement, process optimization, and scale-up readiness.
- lead formulation advacement from bench prototype >>pilot >> full-scale commercial production, resolving scale-related challenges proactively.
- evaluate, qualify, and approve rwa materials, actives, excipients, and packaging components in alignments with regulatory and quality requirements.
- conduct and interpret stability, compatibility, and efficacy testing to validate new formulations.
- stay current with emerging ingredients, technologies, and consumer trends to drive product innovation.
- work cross-functionally with marketing, packaging, and regulatory teams to bring products from concept
to commercialization.
Commercilization & Scale-Up
- own technical readiness for launch, nsuring formulations are robust, reproducible, and commercially viable.
- support road map transfer to manufacturing sites, processing instructions and specifications, and critical quality attributes.
- ensure seamless collaborationacross to meet launch timelines.
- identify and mitigate technical, quality, and regulatory risks prior to commercialization.
Quality Assurance
- maintain data-drivenย  quality management systems (QMS) in accordance with GMP, relevant ISO standardsand regulatory frameworks.
- develop and implement streamlined, standardized processes across contract manufacturing parters to improve operational efficiency, reduce cycle times, and ensure consistent, on-time delivery of development and commercialization milestones.
- establish and oversee SOPs for raw material testing, in-process checks, and finished product release.
- investigate and resolve product quality complaints, non-conformances, and deviations using root cause
analysis (e.g., CAPA, 8D).
- ensure all products comply with applicable cosmetic regulations (FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation, or relevant regional standards).
- maintain and review safety data sheets (SDS), product safety assessments, and documentation for
regulatory submissions.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences,
or a related field.
Master's degree or PhD is a strong advantage.
Experience
5+ years of hands-on experience in skincare product formulation.
5+ years of experience in a quality assurance or regulatory compliance role within the cosmetics or
personal care industry.
Demonstrated experience working with a wide range of cosmetic raw materials, emulsion systems,
actives, and preservative systems.
Skills & Knowledge
Deep knowledge of cosmetic chemistry, skin biology, and ingredient interactions.
Proficiency with formulation software and laboratory equipment (rheometers, pH meters,
spectrophotometers, etc.).
Strong understanding of global cosmetic regulatory requirements (FDA 21 CFR, EU No. 1223/2009, ISO
22716, etc.).
Experience with stability testing protocols (ICH guidelines or equivalent).
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
Familiarity with ERP and QMS software is a plus.
Soft Skills & Leadership Competencies
- self-starter with high initiative; thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
- innovative and forward-thinking mindset, with ability to seek forward towards continuous improvement.
- results-oriented problem solver who delivers practical, scalable solutions.
- strong ownership mentality with accountability of outcomes.
- effective communicator capable of influencing without authority.
- able to work independently while collaborating seamlessly across teams.ย 

About Medical Group Care

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Naples, FL, US

Year founded

2009