1

Product Development Cosmetics Jobs in Chicago, IL

Project Manager R&D

Northfield, IL · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

Job Summary The position will guide the development of medical devices, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and/or OTC/ANDA/NDA drugs. Manage and oversee all aspects of product development projects. This ...

Sr Project Manager - Quality

Northfield, IL · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

Experience in the development and launch of new medical/pharma/dietary supplement/cosmetic products. * Experience with medical device requirements (Class I-II), design controls, risk assessments, and ...

Sr Project Manager - Quality

Northfield, IL · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

Experience in the development and launch of new medical/pharma/dietary supplement/cosmetic products. * Experience with medical device requirements (Class I-II), design controls, risk assessments, and ...

Sr Project Manager - Quality

Northfield, IL · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

Experience in the development and launch of new medical/pharma/dietary supplement/cosmetic products. Experience with medical device requirements (Class I-II), design controls, risk assessments, and ...

Sr Project Manager

Northfield, IL · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

Experience in the development and launch of new medical/pharma/dietary supplement/cosmetic products. * Experience with medical device requirements (Class I-II), design controls, risk assessments, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Product Development Cosmetics information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$25

$43

How much do product development cosmetics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for product development cosmetics in Chicago, IL is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $26.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is product development in cosmetics?

Product development in cosmetics refers to the process of creating new beauty and personal care products, from concept through to launch. This involves researching market trends, formulating products, testing for safety and efficacy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating with marketing and design teams. Professionals in this field need a blend of scientific, creative, and business skills to bring innovative and effective products to market.

What are product development jobs in cosmetics?

Product development jobs in cosmetics focus on creating new makeup, skincare, and hair care products. Cosmetic chemists develop compounds and formulas for new products. They work with product development managers to test and perfect these formulas and add color and fragrance elements. They also ensure that the products meet health and safety regulations. Development managers oversee quality and safety testing and ensure that the formulas are ready for mass production. Finally, product development coordinators track the process and handle promotional responsibilities, such as distributing samples and planning packaging.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product development professional in cosmetics, and why are they important?

To thrive in Product Development within the cosmetics industry, you need a background in chemistry, cosmetic science, or a related field, along with expertise in formulation and regulatory compliance. Familiarity with industry-specific tools like formulation software, stability testing equipment, and knowledge of global cosmetic regulations is essential. Creativity, strong project management, and effective communication skills help drive innovation and successful cross-functional collaboration. These skills ensure the creation of safe, effective, and marketable cosmetic products in a highly competitive and regulated environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in product development for cosmetics, and how can they be addressed?

A common challenge in cosmetics product development is balancing innovation with regulatory compliance, as new formulations must meet both consumer demands and strict safety standards. Professionals often work closely with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, R&D, and quality assurance, to ensure products are both effective and compliant. Staying current with evolving regulations and consumer trends can help address these challenges. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for navigating tight timelines and coordinating with suppliers and testing labs.

What is the difference between Product Development Cosmetics vs Cosmetic Chemist?

AspectProduct Development CosmeticsCosmetic Chemist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or Chemical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product formulation, testing, and development teamsLaboratories focused on chemical formulation, stability testing, and safety assessments
Industry UsageRoles involved in creating new cosmetic products, overseeing formulation from concept to productionSpecialized in chemical formulation, testing, and ensuring product safety and efficacy

Product Development Cosmetics involves managing the entire process of creating new cosmetic products, including formulation, testing, and bringing products to market. Cosmetic Chemists focus specifically on the chemical formulation and safety testing of these products. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in labs, Product Development Cosmetics has a broader scope encompassing project management and market considerations, whereas Cosmetic Chemists specialize in chemical formulation and safety analysis.

What are popular job titles related to Product Development Cosmetics jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Product Development Cosmetics jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Product Development Cosmetics jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development Cosmetics jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Product Development Cosmetics job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,417 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Fragrance Development Associate

Belle Aire Creations

Libertyville, IL

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description:
Belle Aire Creations aspires to be focus-oriented, customer driven and positioned as the top tier mid-market fragrance solution. We consider ourselves to be a truly unique company whose employees will continue to complement existing personnel and represent the goals and values of the organization.
Business Industry:
Fragrances/Cosmetics/Personal Care/Candles
Job Title:
Fragrance Development Associate
Employment Type:
Full-Time in office
Job Description:
The Fragrance Development Associate supports the Fragrance Development team by managing fragrance development projects from concept through commercialization. This role serves as a key liaison between Fragrance Development, Marketing, Regulatory, Operations, Quality, Product Development, and other cross- functional teams to ensure successful project execution, alignment, and timely delivery of project objectives.
The Fragrance Development Associate exercises independent judgment in managing priorities, coordinating project activities, identifying risks, recommending solutions, and driving projects forward. While the position includes administrative and project coordination responsibilities, the primary focus is ownership of assigned projects, cross-functional leadership, and supporting the successful execution of fragrance development initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the primary project contact for assigned initiatives and coordinate activities across cross-functional teams.
  • Manage assigned fragrance development projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with business objectives, customer expectations, and project timelines.
  • Lead project meetings, facilitate communication and drive accountability for projects deliverables.
  • Exercise independent judgment in identifying project risks, resolving issues and recommending solutions.
  • Partner with Fragrance Development, Marketing, Regulatory, Operations, Quality, and Product Development teams to support successful project execution.
  • Support fragrance evaluation activities by compiling feedback, analyzing results, and communicating recommendations and development updates.
  • Research market trends, competitive activity, and category opportunities to support fragrance development initiatives.
  • Develop project summaries, presentations, development updates, and support documentation for internal and customer-facing meetings.
  • Coordinate fragrance sample requests, testing activities, project documentation, and development records to support project execution.
  • Maintain accurate project files, development records, evaluations, approvals, and related documentation.
  • Identify opportunities to improve project workflows, communication processes, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.
  • Support the Fragrance Development team through project coordination, prioritization, and execution of fragrance development initiatives.
  • Manage project timelines, priorities, and tracking mechanisms to ensure successful execution of fragrance development initiatives.
  • Establish project priorities, timelines, and deliverables while balancing multiple competing business needs.
  • Plan and facilitate fragrance evaluations, testing activities, and development milestones to support project objectives.
  • Organize internal review meetings and prepare agendas, presentations, meeting notes, and follow-up documentation.
  • Track project milestones and communicate status updates to cross-functional teams.
  • Ensure all fragrance submissions, revisions, evaluations, and approvals are accurately documented and maintained.
  • Compile fragrance evaluation results, feedback summaries, comparison reports, and development updates.
  • Assist in maintaining regulatory, safety, technical, and product documentation.
  • Organize, label, inventory, and maintain fragrance samples, test materials, and development records.
  • Generate project status reports, development summaries, and other supporting documentation.
  • Serve as the project owner for assigned fragrance development initiatives and exercise independent judgment regarding project priorities, stakeholder coordination, and issue resolution
  • Provide administrative support for all fragrance development initiatives and special projects as assigned
*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities for this job may change at any time without notice.

Education amp; Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Product Development, Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related field preferred.
  • 1-3 years of project management, product development, fragrance, beauty, personal care, consumer products, marketing, administrative or related industries.
  • Experience working with fragrance, beauty, personal care, home fragrance, or consumer packaged goods industries is a plus.
  • Experience managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
Skills amp; Competencies
  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to independently prioritize work and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions within established guidelines.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional discussions and influence project outcomes.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
  • Strong attention to detail while maintaining focus on overall business objectives.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience with project management systems, ERP platforms, or PLM software is preferred.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism.
  • Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills.
  • Collaborative team player with a customer-service mindset.
  • Comfortable leading client presentations and discussions.
Compensation:
Competitive market-based salary; commensurate with experience.