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Formulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA ยท 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 ...

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Formulation information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$41

How much do formulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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, and why are they important?

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 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:
Infographic showing various Formulation job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% 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.

Senior Manager, Formulation Development

Beautyhealth

Long Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 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.