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Quality Control Cosmetics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FullSteam

QC Inspector

Riverside, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

Cosmetics Manufacturing -- Aerosol, Hair Products & Makeup Benefits: Medical, Dental, AD&D Job Summary We are seeking a detail-oriented QC Inspector to join a fast-paced cosmetics manufacturing ...

Astrix Inc

QC Lab Tech- Cosmetics

Chino, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Title: QC Lab Technician Location: Pomona, CA Pay: $20-25/hr. Shift: M-F 5am-2pm PST Contract, with opportunity to extend or convert. Job Duties: * Test pH, viscosity, specific gravity, and other ...

Superbeo

Quality Control Inspector

Fontana, CA · On-site

Quality Control Inspector Job Location: Fontana, California , 92337 Job Duration: 18 Months Shift ... Common cosmetic findings that you may come across during the visual inspection include: * Air ...

Astrix Inc

QC Chemist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Pay Rate Low: 26 | Pay Rate High: 28 Our client, a leading cosmetics manufacturer, is looking for a skilled QC Chemist to join their team in Los Angeles County, CA! Job type: Contract- hire Location:

Staffing Network

Quality Control Inspector

Hayward, CA

$20/hr

QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTOR Location: Hayward, CA Starting Pay: $20.00 Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:00 ... Perform visual inspections of incoming materials for quantity, cosmetic condition, workmanship, and ...

BioPhase Solutions

QC Microbiologist

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $24/hr

We are currently looking for a QC Microbiologist to work for a Greater Los Angeles area cosmetics contract manufacturing company. Pay Rate: $20-24/hour depending on experience. 2nd shift: 1:00pm - 9 ...

harrington

Quality Control: * Check all completed assemblies for dimensional, and cosmetic accuracy. * FAI data collection for applicable items. * Assist Lead in production tracking. Requirements * Read and ...

harrington

Quality Control: * Check all completed assemblies for dimensional, and cosmetic accuracy. * FAI data collection for applicable items. * Assist Lead in production tracking. Requirements * Read and ...

Thrive Causemetics

QA+QC Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

We are an independent, female-owned beauty brand that creates high-performance vegan cosmetics and ... As the QA/QC Manager, you will work closely with internal teams, contract manufacturers, and ...

Thrive Causemetics

QA+QC Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

We are an independent, female-owned beauty brand that creates high-performance vegan cosmetics and ... As the QA/QC Manager, you will work closely with internal teams, contract manufacturers, and ...

Thrive Causemetics

QA+QC Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

We are an independent, female-owned beauty brand that creates high-performance vegan cosmetics and ... As the QA/QC Manager, you will work closely with internal teams, contract manufacturers, and ...

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Quality Control Cosmetics information

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How much do quality control cosmetics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality control cosmetics in California is $21.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a quality control cosmetics position?

A Quality Control (QC) Cosmetics job involves ensuring that cosmetic products meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards before they reach consumers. Professionals in this role test raw materials, monitor production processes, and evaluate finished products for consistency, stability, and compliance with industry regulations. They use various laboratory techniques and work closely with manufacturing teams to identify and resolve quality issues. This role is essential in maintaining product integrity, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health and safety guidelines.

What does a quality control cosmetics specialist do?

A professional in Quality Control Cosmetics typically spends their day conducting lab tests on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished cosmetic products to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. They are responsible for meticulously documenting results, investigating any non-conformities, and collaborating with production and development teams to resolve quality issues. Additionally, they review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), assist in compliance audits, and may train other staff on quality protocols. This role involves a mix of hands-on lab work and coordination with other departments, providing variety and valuable teamwork experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for quality control cosmetics?

To thrive as a Quality Control Cosmetics professional, a strong background in chemistry, biology, or a related science, along with experience in laboratory testing and regulatory standards, is essential. Familiarity with lab equipment, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and quality management systems like ISO 22716 is typically required, with some roles requiring certifications such as Six Sigma. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills make candidates stand out in this field. These abilities ensure product safety, maintain brand reputation, and help meet industry compliance in a highly regulated environment.

Do you need a degree for quality control cosmetics?

A degree is not always required for a quality control cosmetics position, but relevant education such as a high school diploma or college coursework in chemistry, biology, or related fields can be beneficial. Many employers also value experience, attention to detail, and knowledge of industry standards and testing methods. Certifications in quality assurance or laboratory techniques can enhance job prospects.

Is quality control cosmetics a good career?

Quality control cosmetics involves inspecting and testing cosmetic products to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. It requires attention to detail, knowledge of industry standards, and often involves working in laboratory or manufacturing environments. The field offers opportunities for advancement and requires certifications or training in quality assurance or related areas.

What is quality control in cosmetics?

Quality control in cosmetics involves inspecting and testing products to ensure they meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards before they reach consumers. Cosmetics quality control professionals use tools like lab testing and documentation to identify defects and ensure consistency throughout production. This role often requires attention to detail and knowledge of industry regulations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Quality Control Cosmetics jobs in California?

The most popular types of Quality Control Cosmetics jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Quality Control Cosmetics jobs in California?

For Quality Control Cosmetics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Quality Control Cosmetics jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Quality Control Cosmetics jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Quality Control Cosmetics jobs?

Cities in California with the most Quality Control Cosmetics job openings:

Quality Control Cosmetics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Control Cosmetics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,083 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Analytical Laboratory Mgr.-Cosmetics & OTC Quality Control

Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

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Key responsibilities

  • Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations supporting cosmetic and OTC drug products to ensure timely and compliant testing for batch release.

  • Manage laboratory personnel, equipment, and investigations, including initiating laboratory investigations, OOS, deviations, and CAPAs.

  • Ensure laboratory compliance with regulatory standards, support FDA inspections and audits, and maintain documentation related to method validation, stability programs, and data integrity.

Job description

REPORTS TO:

Director of Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs

POSITION SUMMARY

The Analytical Laboratory Manager is responsible for overseeing Quality Control.

Laboratory operations supporting cosmetic and OTC drug products. This role ensures all analytical testing, method validation, stability programs and data integrity practices comply with FDA regulations, cGMPs, USP requirements, and internal quality standards. The position manages laboratory personnel, equipment, and investigations while supporting product release and regulatory readiness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Laboratory Operations

· Manage day-to-day operations of the QC analytical laboratory for raw materials, in-process, finished goods, and stability samples.

· Ensure timely and compliant testing to support batch release for cosmetic and OTC drug products.

· Establish and maintain laboratory procedures, test methods and specifications.

Regulatory Compliance

· With Quality Assurance/Regulatory guidance, ensure laboratory compliance with:

21 CFR 210/211 (OTC drugs)

21 CFR 700 (cosmetics)

USP/NF, ISO 22716 and internal SOPs

· Support FDA inspections, audits and regulatory inquiries.

Initiate laboratory investigations, OOS, deviations and CAPAs.

Method Management

· Oversee method validation, verification and transfer for chemical and physical tests (e.g. assay, impurities, ph, viscosity, preservative content)

· Maintain analytical method lifecycle documentation.

Stability

· Manage stability programs for OTC products, including protocol generation, data review and expiry dating support.

· Support shelf life extensions with scientific justification where applicable.

Equipment & Systems

· Ensure qualification, calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments (HPLC, UPLC, GC, UV-Vis, balances, etc.)

· Oversee laboratory systems (Access databases and SYSPRO - ERP)

· Ensure proper handling of reference standards and reagents.

People Management

· Supervise, train and mentor QC analysts and technicians.

· Ensure staff are trained in cGMPs, safety and laboratory procedures.

· Conduct performance reviews and support professional development.

Documentation and Data Integrity

· Review and approve laboratory notebooks, worksheets, electronic data, and reports.

· Participate in SOP authoring and periodic review.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

· Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field.


Experience

· 5-8+ years experience in QC analytical testing within cosmetics, OTC drugs or pharmaceuticals.

· 2+ years in a supervisory or managerial laboratory role.

· Direct experience with FDA inspections and regulatory audits.

Technical Skills

· Strong knowledge of USP methods, OTC monographs, and cosmetic testing requirements.

· Hands-on experience with chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.

· Experience with stability studies, OOS investigations and method validation.

Company Description

Beauty is more than skin deep at Merle Norman Cosmetics. We develop, manufacture and distribute our own full line of innovative skin care, makeup and color cosmetics right here in Los Angeles. It’s our mission to help people everywhere look and feel their very best. We achieve this by creating strong bonds between our employees, franchisees and customers. Together, we represent a brand of opportunity and personal expression. When you join Merle Norman, you join a family. Become part of something beautiful today.