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Formulation Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Califia Farms, LLC

Sr. Scientist II, R&D

Bakersfield, CA

$120K - $145K/yr

Serve as a technical expert in food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and formulation science for plant-based beverage applications. * Develop a deep understanding of ingredient interactions and ...

Califia Farms

Sr. Scientist II, R&D

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $145K/yr

Serve as a technical expert in food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and formulation science for plant-based beverage applications. * Develop a deep understanding of ingredient interactions and ...

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Formulation Science information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$41

How much do formulation science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation science in California is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do formulators make?

Formulation scientists typically earn a median annual salary between $60,000 and $90,000, depending on experience, education, and industry sector. Entry-level roles may start around $50,000, while experienced formulators or those in specialized fields can earn over $100,000. Skills in chemistry, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and relevant certifications can influence salary levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Formulation Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Formulation Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with analytical instruments, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and regulatory compliance (such as GMP or FDA guidelines) is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you innovate and collaborate efficiently on product development. These qualifications ensure the safe, effective, and regulatory-compliant creation of new products in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food science.

What is the highest paid pharmaceutical scientist?

The highest paid pharmaceutical scientists are often senior-level professionals such as Directors or Vice Presidents of formulation or research and development, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and company size, and advanced degrees and specialized skills can lead to higher earnings.

What is the difference between Formulation Science vs Pharmaceutical Chemist?

AspectFormulation SciencePharmaceutical Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, research centers, pharmaceutical companies
Industry UsageDesigning and developing drug formulations, improving delivery methodsDeveloping and analyzing chemical compounds, quality control

Formulation Science focuses on creating and optimizing drug delivery systems and formulations, while Pharmaceutical Chemists primarily develop and analyze chemical compounds used in medications. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments within the pharmaceutical industry, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and application.

What is formulation science?

Formulation science is the discipline focused on combining different chemical substances to create products with specific properties and functions, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and household products. Formulation scientists work to ensure that the combination of ingredients is stable, effective, and safe for the intended use. They also optimize the physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of the final product. This field is critical in industries where product performance and quality are essential to consumer safety and satisfaction.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in Formulation Science, and how can they be addressed?

Formulation Science professionals often encounter challenges such as ensuring product stability, optimizing ingredient compatibility, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. Successfully addressing these issues requires strong problem-solving skills, close collaboration with analytical chemists, and diligent documentation. Regular testing and iterative reformulation are common, so adaptability and attention to detail are essential. Working in cross-functional teams with R&D, quality assurance, and manufacturing also helps mitigate challenges and ensures successful product development.

What is the salary of formulation R&D?

The salary for formulation R&D professionals typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced scientists with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What does a formulation scientist do?

A formulation scientist develops and optimizes the composition of products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food items to ensure stability, efficacy, and safety. They use laboratory techniques, analytical tools, and scientific principles to create effective formulations and often collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet regulatory standards.
What are popular job titles related to Formulation Science jobs in California? For Formulation Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Formulation Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Formulation Science jobs in California are:
Formulation Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Formulation Science job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,866 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Senior Manager, Formulation Development

BeautyHealth

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 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.

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