ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Capsum Inc

Senior Formulation Chemist

Del Valle, TX · On-site

Position Summary The Senior Formulation Chemist will lead the formulation development of innovative skincare, haircare, body care, color cosmetics, and hybrid beauty products from concept through ...

Bayport Laboratories

NY · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Vision insurance Position Purpose The Senior Formulation Chemist at Bayport Laboratories develops and optimizes innovative cosmetic products, focusing on color cosmetics, skin care, and hair care.

New

Clariant

The Formulation Chemist will support formulation projects by preparing prototypes, conducting ... Support the development and customization of cosmetic formulations for skin care, hair care, sun ...

Clariant

Formulation Chemist

New Providence, NJ · On-site

The Formulation Chemist will support formulation projects by preparing prototypes, conducting ... Support the development and customization of cosmetic formulations for skin care, hair care, sun ...

Mativ

Formulation Chemist

Orangeburg, NY · On-site

Formulation Chemist Mativ is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta ... We are looking for an experienced cosmetic/OTC formulator that would like to elevate their ...

New

Scentsy

Formulation Chemist

Meridian, ID · On-site

The Formulation Chemist is the subject matter expert (SME) with regards to formulated products and ... Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) membership a plus * Strong knowledge of formulations for ...

SV Labs Corporation

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Bachelor's degree with a Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field. WORK EXPERIENCE * Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on formulation experience in the personal care, home ...

SV Labs Corporation

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Bachelor's degree with a Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field. WORK EXPERIENCE * Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on formulation experience in the personal care, home ...

Mativ

Formulation Chemist

Dallas, TX · On-site

Formulation Chemist Mativ is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta ... This role formulates products in the medical device, OTC, and occasionally cosmetic spaces ...

Actalent

Formulation Chemist

Memphis, TN

$100K - $150K/yr

Head Of Formulation Department | Hiring Now ! Sr. Level Role responsible for leading the ... Strong knowledge of: * Surfactant chemistry * Emulsification * Rheology * Colloidal systems

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsScience JobsChemistry JobsChemist JobsSenior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist Jobs

Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist information

See salary details

$35K

$87.7K

$148K

How much do senior cosmetic formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior cosmetic formulation chemist in the United States is $87,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior cosmetic formulation chemist do?

A Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist leads the development and optimization of cosmetic and personal care products, such as skincare, haircare, and makeup. They design new formulas, select appropriate raw materials, and conduct stability and safety testing to ensure products meet regulatory and quality standards. Additionally, they collaborate with marketing, regulatory, and production teams to bring innovative and safe products to market. Their expertise is crucial for ensuring the efficacy, safety, and appeal of cosmetic products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior cosmetic formulation chemist?

To thrive as a Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry, cosmetic science, and experience in developing and optimizing formulations, typically supported by a relevant degree such as a BSc or MSc in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Proficiency in using laboratory instrumentation, formulation software, and knowledge of regulatory compliance (such as FDA or EU regulations) is essential. Attention to detail, creativity, leadership, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for creating innovative, safe, and market-ready cosmetic products while ensuring regulatory adherence and effective team collaboration.

What are some common challenges faced by senior cosmetic formulation chemists when developing new products?

Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemists often face challenges such as balancing innovative ingredient use with regulatory compliance, ensuring product stability and safety, and meeting strict timelines for product launches. Collaborating closely with marketing, regulatory, and production teams is essential to align product performance with brand promises and consumer expectations. Additionally, navigating supply chain limitations and keeping up with evolving trends in consumer preferences can require creative problem-solving and adaptability.

What is the difference between Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist vs Cosmetic Formulation Chemist?

AspectSenior Cosmetic Formulation ChemistCosmetic Formulation Chemist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field; experience preferredBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development teams, quality controlLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, R&D departments
Industry UsageOften leads projects, mentors junior staff, and oversees formulation processesDevelops and tests cosmetic formulations under supervision or as part of a team

The main difference is that a Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist typically has more experience, takes on leadership roles, and oversees formulation projects, whereas a Cosmetic Formulation Chemist focuses on developing and testing formulations under guidance. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but the senior position involves greater responsibility and project management.

More about Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs?

The most popular types of Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs are:

Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,733 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Senior Formulation Chemist

Capsum Inc

Del Valle, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Formulation Chemist will lead the formulation development of innovative skincare, haircare, body care, color cosmetics, and hybrid beauty products from concept through commercialization.

This individual will serve as a technical leader within the laboratory while mentoring junior chemists and collaborating closely with manufacturing to ensure seamless scale-up and technology transfer.

Responsibilities
  • Lead formulation development across multiple product categories
  • Design innovative formulations utilizing emerging technologies and ingredients
  • Conduct formulation optimization and troubleshooting
  • Evaluate ingredient compatibility and performance
  • Develop laboratory batches and manufacturing procedures
  • Support pilot batches and production scale-up
  • Work directly with clients during formulation presentations and technical discussions
  • Interpret stability, compatibility, and performance data
  • Collaborate with Packaging, Regulatory, Quality, and Manufacturing
  • Maintain detailed laboratory documentation
  • Stay informed on emerging ingredient technologies and market trends
  • Mentor Junior Formulation Chemists
  • Support intellectual property generation and innovation initiatives
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering or related discipline
  • 8–10 years of cosmetic formulation experience
  • Extensive experience across skincare and haircare
  • Strong understanding of emulsions, surfactants, polymers, rheology, preservatives, and active ingredient technologies
  • Experience scaling formulations into manufacturing
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Strong communication and client-facing experience