Laboratory Technician - Formulation Development

Tropic Skincare; Croydon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing beauty brand in Croydon is seeking a Laboratory Technician for Formulation Development. The role involves developing and testing formulations for skincare and cosmetics, ensuring quality and safety standards. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science, strong analytical skills, and a passion for natural products. This full-time position offers a starting salary of £25,000 with various benefits including generous annual leave and wellness support.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Well-being support

Discounted gym membership

Pension scheme

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Exclusive skincare collection

50% discount for family and friends

Annual product allowance

Access to retailer discounts

On-site parking

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• A degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related discipline is required.
• Passion for beauty, especially natural and sustainable products.
• Attention to detail and strong analytical skills are essential.
• Excellent communication skills for team collaboration.
• Proactive approach to teamwork in a fast-paced lab environment.
• Enthusiasm to learn and grow in cosmetic formulation science.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test new formulations across various product types.
• Perform stability testing to meet efficacy and safety standards.
• Support formulation team in refining existing products.
• Document findings with scientific accuracy.
• Assist senior chemists in laboratory operations.
• Maintain GLP standards in R&D lab operations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Passion for natural products

Education

Degree in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science

Job description

About The Role

At Tropic, we’re not just making skincare and beauty products – we’re redefining what natural, sustainable beauty can achieve on a global stage. With international expansion on the horizon and an ever-growing product pipeline, our laboratory is the beating heart of innovation and discovery.

We’re seeking a Laboratory Technician – Formulation Development who is excited to apply scientific thinking and hands-on experimentation to drive our growth. This isn’t just about preparing formulas – it’s about contributing to meaningful research that transforms bold ideas into products customers will love worldwide.

As part of our dynamic formulation team, you’ll be involved in testing new ingredient interactions, supporting product development projects, and ensuring our lab operates to the highest scientific standards. Your work will directly influence award-winning skincare, haircare, body care, and makeup innovations.

This role offers the chance to grow your career in cosmetic science, applying your technical expertise while learning from experienced chemists. Every day brings new challenges, discoveries, and the opportunity to leave a scientific fingerprint on one of the UK’s fastest-growing beauty brands.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to scientific innovation by developing and testing new formulations across skincare, haircare, body care, and makeup.
• Carry out stability testing and ensure formulations meet pre-defined efficacy and safety standards.
• Support the formulation team to refine existing products and explore new ingredient combinations.
• Document experimental data, observations, and results with scientific accuracy and precision.
• Assist the senior chemists in daily laboratory operations and upkeep.
• Implement and maintain GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) across all R&D lab operations.
• Develop, follow, and update SOPs for laboratory equipment, ensuring correct use and maintenance.
• Conduct periodic calibration of equipment and maintain up-to-date calibration records.
• Ensure all lab ingredients are correctly labelled, stored appropriately, and handled safely.
• Maintain COSHH documentation and support chemists in hazard and safety assessments.
• Manage ingredient stock levels, replenish from warehouse, and ensure continuous availability of consumables.
• Oversee lab inventory, ensuring MSDS and specifications are accurate and current.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related discipline.
• A genuine passion for beauty, with a particular interest in natural and sustainable products.
• Sharp attention to detail and strong analytical skills – you’ll notice things others might miss.
• Excellent communication skills – you’ll be sharing findings with the wider team.
• A collaborative, proactive approach to teamwork within a fast-paced lab environment.
• Enthusiasm to learn, experiment, and grow your expertise in cosmetic formulation science.

What We Offer

• Employment Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
• Location: This role is on-site, 5 days per week at our Tropic HQ (a short walk from Beddington Lane Tram stop, with direct links to East Croydon and Wimbledon)
• Starting salary: £25,000 per annum
• Benefits: Generous annual leave, 24/7 well-being support, discounted gym membership, pension scheme, enhanced maternity/paternity leave (after qualifying period), exclusive skincare collection, 50% discount for family and friends, annual product allowance, free breakfast bar, access to retailer discounts, social events, well-being treats, on-site parking, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
• Start Date: January 2026

About Tropic

Susie, our Founder and CEO, started Tropic as a teenager, selling homemade body scrubs at Greenwich Market to help her mum pay the bills. She sold out on her first day, sparking what would become one of the UK’s fastest-growing beauty businesses.

Today, our range includes award-winning skincare, body care, hair care, and makeup products that are all vegan, cruelty-free, and CarbonNeutral. Our infinite purpose is simple but powerful: to help create a healthier, greener, more empowered world – and every team member plays a part in making that vision a reality.

Tropic’s Commitment to Equal Opportunities

We’re proud to be a diverse team, and we work hard to make everyone feel welcome and valued. At Tropic, we never discriminate, and we provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities at every stage of the hiring process.

Ultimately, we’re looking for the best person for the job – so if you’ve got the skills, the passion, and the drive, we’d love to hear from you!