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Cosmetics Formulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Document all formulation trials, test results, and updates following Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards * Stay updated on cosmetic formulation trends, materials, and international regulations ...

Senior Scientist Color Cosmetics

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$85.50K - $116.70K/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 · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

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

Formulation Chemist

Holmdel, NJ · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

The Formulation Chemist will support the R&D with new product formulation, reformulation, raw ... Experience with cosmetics or related personal care products strongly preferred. * Familiarity with ...

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

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

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

Cosmetic Chemist

Chattanooga, TN · 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 ...

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Cosmetics Formulation information

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How much do cosmetics formulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 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 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 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 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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Cosmetics Formulation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cosmetics Formulation jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cosmetics Formulation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,488 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Senior Manager, Formulation Development

Beautyhealth

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About Us

Hydrafacial is a global category-creating company focused on bringing innovative products to market and delivering beauty health experiences by reinventing our consumer's relationship with their skin, their bodies and their self-confidence.

Every person here is a key player in our success. We are firm believers in making the little things count each day so the big things will follow. If this sounds like you, come check us out! This is the perfect opportunity to work with some of the best leaders in the industry while you gain the global and strategic experience to add to your professional toolbox.

Job Description:

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

The Hydrafacial booster portfolio is a defining commercial and clinical differentiator for SkinHealth Systems - and every booster formulation that reaches a provider's treatment room is the product of rigorous bench chemistry, stability validation, and regulatory compliance work. The Sr Manager, Formulation Development is the technical lead for that entire process, owning the full development lifecycle from ideation through commercial launch for aqueous serums, treatment solutions, emulsions, and specialty delivery agents designed for hydradermabrasion protocols. This role brings the scientific depth and process discipline of large-scale personal care formulation to a specialized, device-paired application - making it central to SkinHealth Systems' ability to grow its consumables portfolio, substantiate efficacy claims, and compete globally.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead end-to-end formulation development for Hydrafacial booster and treatment products - including aqueous serums, emulsions, and specialty delivery agents - from bench concept through stability validation, scale-up, and commercial launch.

  • Conduct hands-on formulation work, evaluating and qualifying novel active ingredients, functional excipients, and raw materials to support pipeline innovation and clinical efficacy claims.

  • Design formulations with a deep understanding of how delivery vehicle composition, viscosity, pH, and active concentration interact with hydradermabrasion device parameters to optimize treatment outcomes.

  • Drive regulatory compliance across formulation development, maintaining working knowledge of FDA OTC cosmetic regulations, EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC No 1223/2009), and applicable global requirements; support regulatory submissions and dossier preparation.

  • Partner cross-functionally with Medical Affairs, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and Clinical Science to align formulation design with efficacy endpoints, consumer positioning, and commercial launch readiness.

  • Engage ingredient suppliers and raw material partners to evaluate emerging actives, negotiate preferred supplier relationships, and keep SkinHealth Systems ahead of formulation trends.

  • Mentor and develop junior formulation staff and R&D lab personnel, building scientific rigor and structured experimentation capability within the team.

  • Present formulation development findings, project status, and technical recommendations to senior R&D and executive leadership.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related science field.

  • 8+ years of progressive formulation development experience in the personal care, cosmetic, or beauty industry, with a clear record of launching commercially successful products at scale within a large, structured organization.

  • Proven track record of taking formulations from bench concept through stability validation, regulatory review, scale-up, and full commercial launch.

  • Deep expertise in cosmetic raw materials, emulsion chemistry, aqueous solution design, active ingredient stabilization, preservative systems, and sensory aesthetics of topical formulations.

  • Hands-on experience with stability study design and execution (real-time and accelerated), safety testing protocols, and manufacturing scale-up from bench to pilot and commercial scale.

  • Working knowledge of FDA OTC cosmetic regulations, EU Cosmetics Regulation, and global regulatory requirements for formulated products.

  • Proficiency in laboratory characterization techniques including viscosity measurement, pH analysis, particle size, HPLC, and spectroscopy.

  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent development programs; proficiency with project tracking tools such as Smartsheet or equivalent.

Preferred

  • Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related science field.

  • Experience at a globally recognized personal care or beauty organization with direct accountability for product launches at scale.

  • Familiarity with device-paired or treatment-format formulations, including aqueous delivery vehicles designed for professional treatment systems or hydradermabrasion protocols.

  • Knowledge of clean formulation frameworks and compliance requirements, including EWG, COSMOS, and EU-restricted substance lists.

  • Exposure to ISO 10993 biocompatibility principles as they relate to topically applied, device-contacted formulations.

  • Active membership in the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) or an equivalent professional organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB
  • Primarily laboratory and office environment; significant hands-on bench formulation and testing work expected throughout development programs.

  • Ability to stand and work at lab benches for extended periods during formulation development, stability testing, and analytical characterization.

  • Ability to lift and handle raw materials, formulation samples, and laboratory equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.

  • Must comply with all laboratory safety, PPE, and GMP requirements applicable to the formulation development environment.

We mean it when we say you'll LOVE this role.

Base Pay: $121,000 - $145,000 + bonus

An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of HydraFacial's total rewards package for our employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, long-term incentives based on level, paid time off, and region-specific benefits.Come grow and GLOW with us!

What else can you expect with HydraFacial?
PERKS! Benefits include: Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, FSAs, HSAs, accident insurance, pet insurance, company-paid life and AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term and short-term disability insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off (PTO), and paid holidays.

#LI-Onsite

Hydrafacial is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy or any other protected characteristic as outlined by color, federal, state or local laws. We are committed to working with and providing accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities.

Hydrafacial does not accept unsolicited assistance or resumes/CVs from third party search firms. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral or CV/resume submitted by a search firm to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement. If we need additional support, we will be sure to reach out directly to one of our preferred providers.Please no phone calls or emails.