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Formulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prevail Recruiting

Formulation Scientist

Murrieta, CA · On-site

This is a hands-on formulation role with ownership across the full product development lifecycle--from initial concept and ingredient selection through testing, scale-up, manufacturing, and ...

New

Actalent

Formulation Technician

Fremont, CA

$33 - $34/hr

Formulation Technician The Formulation Technician prepares, tests, and optimizes chemical solutions and formulations in a laboratory environment. This role focuses on developing new and improved ...

Glass House Brands

Formulation Technician

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Formulation Technician will also monitor, prepare, and maintain recordkeeping of formulation results. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (Reasonable accommodations may be ...

SV Labs Corporation

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION The Formulation Chemist is responsible for the research, design, and development of innovative personal care and home care products, including skincare, haircare, body care and ...

SV Labs Corporation

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION The Formulation Chemist is responsible for the research, design, and development of innovative personal care and home care products, including skincare, haircare, body care and ...

Actalent

Scientist I, Formulation

Carlsbad, CA

$30 - $31/hr

Scientist I, Formulation Location: Carlsbad, CA (Onsite) Overview We are seeking a Scientist I, Formulation to support the manufacturing of molecular biology reagents and fluorescently labeled ...

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All JobsFormulation JobsFormulation Jobs in California

Formulation information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$41

How much do formulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation 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.

What does a formulation scientist do?

A formulation scientist is responsible for developing and optimizing mixtures of ingredients to create products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food items. They ensure that the formulated product is stable, effective, and meets quality standards. This role involves research, testing, and collaboration with other scientists to bring safe and effective products to market. Formulation scientists often work in laboratory settings and are involved in scaling up production from small batches to mass manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a formulation scientist?

To thrive as a Formulation Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, or chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, formulation development software, and regulatory standards such as GMP is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant development of new products in industries like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in formulation roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in formulation often encounter challenges such as achieving product stability, optimizing ingredient compatibility, and ensuring regulatory compliance. These issues require strong problem-solving skills, continuous testing, and close collaboration with analytical, quality assurance, and regulatory teams. Staying up-to-date with new ingredients, technologies, and industry standards can help address these challenges and support successful product development. Open communication and teamwork are also essential in troubleshooting and refining formulations.

What is the difference between Formulation vs Chemist?

AspectFormulationChemist
Required CredentialsDegree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldDegree in Chemistry or Chemical Sciences
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, R&D centersLaboratories, research facilities, industrial settings
Industry UsageProduct development, formulation of compounds, cosmetics, pharmaceuticalsResearch, analysis, testing, and development of chemical substances
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Formulation specialists focus on developing and optimizing product recipes, while chemists conduct research and analysis of chemical substances. Both roles require chemistry degrees and often work in similar environments, but formulation emphasizes product development, whereas chemists may work more on research and testing.

What is a formulation job?

A formulation job involves developing, testing, and optimizing the composition of products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or chemicals. Professionals in this role use scientific knowledge, laboratory skills, and tools like spectrometers or mixers to create effective formulations that meet safety and quality standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Formulation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Formulation jobs in California?

For Formulation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Formulation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Formulation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Formulation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Formulation job openings:

Formulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Formulation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,866 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Formulation Scientist

Prevail Recruiting

Murrieta, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

The Opportunity

A growing clean skincare and personal care company is seeking an experienced Formulation Scientist to lead the development of innovative, high-performance products using natural, non-toxic, and clean ingredients.

This is a hands-on formulation role with ownership across the full product development lifecycle—from initial concept and ingredient selection through testing, scale-up, manufacturing, and commercial launch. The ideal candidate combines strong cosmetic chemistry expertise with a genuine passion for clean, natural, and high-performance skincare formulation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the research, formulation, development, and optimization of new skincare and personal care products from concept through launch.
  • Develop and refine formulas for performance, stability, safety, efficacy, and consumer experience.
  • Select and validate raw materials consistent with clean beauty, sustainability, and performance standards.
  • Design and execute stability, compatibility, and microbial testing programs.
  • Maintain detailed formula, batch, testing, and development documentation.
  • Identify innovative natural and clean ingredients and emerging formulation technologies.
  • Partner with ingredient suppliers and evaluate sustainable, regenerative, and wildcrafted ingredient options.
  • Ensure formulations meet applicable regulatory requirements and internal clean beauty standards.
  • Support product claims substantiation and collaborate with Quality on raw material and finished-product testing.
  • Provide technical guidance during scale-up and production runs, ensuring formula integrity as products transition from the lab into manufacturing.
  • Partner closely with Marketing, Production, Quality, and other stakeholders throughout product development.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior formulators and laboratory team members.

Ideal Background

The strongest candidate will bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred.
  • 3–5+ years of hands-on formulation experience within skincare or personal care.
  • Meaningful experience developing natural, clean, organic, or non-toxic formulations.
  • Strong understanding of cosmetic chemistry, formulation techniques, ingredient functionality, preservation, and product stability.
  • Demonstrated success taking products from initial formulation through commercial launch.
  • Experience with stability, compatibility, and microbial testing.
  • Knowledge of cosmetic regulatory and labeling requirements.
  • Familiarity with clean beauty standards and certifications such as USDA Organic and EWG Verified.
  • Experience with ERP, WMS, and/or formulation software.
  • Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

What Will Make Someone Stand Out

We are particularly interested in formulators who have hands-on experience developing products such as balms, serums, deodorants, creams, oils, and other skincare/personal care products and who understand the unique technical challenges associated with natural formulations.

Experience working with regenerative or wildcrafted ingredients, natural preservation systems, clean ingredient sourcing, INCI requirements, and third-party clean/organic certifications would be highly valuable.

Apply