Formulation Specialist

Kayali; Dubai; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury fragrance brand in Dubai is seeking a Formulation Expert to support product development. The ideal candidate should have extensive knowledge of fragrance formulation, stability testing, and project management. Responsibilities include evaluating formulation proposals, supervising tests, and collaborating with various teams. This role offers benefits like premium medical coverage and employee discounts.

Benefits

Premium Medical / Dental / Vision coverage

Find Your Magic Days

Volunteer Day

Professional Development Days

Birthday leave

Egg Freezing Benefits

Employee discounts on products

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in formulation or product development.
• Experience working with luxury beauty brands or startups.
• Strong project management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support product development by evaluating formulation proposals.
• Supervise stability and compatibility testing.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external consultants.

Skills

Fragrance and cosmetic formulation knowledge

Experience with various categories (fragrance, skincare, etc.)

Ability to critically assess formulation proposals

Project management skills

Education

Degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Knowledge of analytical testing methods (pH, viscosity)

Job description

Who We Are

Fueled by passion, KAYALI was founded in 2018 by beauty mogul and fragrance fanatic, Mona Kattan. Translating to ‘my imagination’ in Arabic, KAYALI provides a modern fragrance experience inspired by Mona’s rich Middle Eastern heritage and the art of layering scents to help you create your mood; where sharing scents is a ritual and smelling good is both an act of goodwill and self-love. Mona collaborates with some of the world’s most renowned perfumers and sources the finest ingredients to create unique juices that are infinitely memorable, long-lasting, and cruelty-free. Each luxurious fragrance is an ode to true craftsmanship and tells a special story, from the addictive notes to the multi-faceted jeweled bottles.

Our Mission

To make everyone feel like the diamond they are! To build a global community of fragrance lovers through the power of scent and by providing them with the most innovative & luxurious fragrances, education and sharing our Middle Eastern fragrance rituals with the world.

Summary

The Formulation Expert will support product development by evaluating and guiding formulation proposals from subcontractors, with a strong focus on quality, performance, sensorial attributes, and brand alignment. They will also supervise stability and compatibility testing, ensuring product integrity and compliance throughout development.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

Technical Expertise in Formulation

• Strong knowledge of fragrance and cosmetic formulation, with an understanding of both raw materials and finished product behaviour
• Experience with various categories (e.g., fragrance, skincare, body care, makeup, etc.)
• Understanding of clean beauty standards, natural origin ingredients, and luxury sensorial benchmarks

Product Evaluation & Sensory Analysis

Ability to critically assess formulation proposals from external labs

Expertise in evaluating texture, fragrance, absorption, and finish in line with brand expectations

Familiarity with benchmarking products and articulating feedback to subcontractors

Stability & Compatibility Testing

Experience in planning, overseeing, and interpreting stability and compatibility tests

Familiarity with packaging interaction, shelf-life prediction, and storage condition implications

Knowledge of analytical testing methods and lab equipment (pH, viscosity, centrifugation, etc.)

Regulatory & Safety Awareness

Basic understanding of cosmetic regulatory requirements (EU, US, and global)

Awareness of claims substantiation and ingredient restrictions

Familiarity with safety assessments and toxicological reviews

Quality Management Systems (QMS) & Documentation

Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 22716, GMP, ICH guidelines) relevant to cosmetic product development and manufacturing

Ability to review and maintain technical documentation, including product specs, batch records, test reports, and certificates of analysis

Project Management & Communication

Ability to collaborate with subcontractors, internal teams (marketing, packaging, supply chain), and external consultants

Strong project management skills : timelines, documentation, and follow-up

Clear scientific communication, both verbal and written

Requirements

Degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Minimum 3–5 years of experience in formulation or product development, ideally with exposure to luxury brands or beauty startups

Experience working with external laboratories or contract manufacturers is a strong plus

Benefits

Premium Medical / Dental / Vision coverage

Find Your Magic Days

Volunteer Day

Professional Development Days

Birthday leave

Egg Freezing Benefits

Employee discounts on Kayali products

Products gifting