Principal Formulation Scientist - Colour Cosmetics

Tropic Skincare; City Of London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cosmetic company in the UK seeks a Principal Formulation Scientist – Colour Cosmetics to drive innovation in makeup. This role involves developing formulations, optimizing processes, and mentoring junior chemists. The ideal candidate has over 15 years of experience, strong expertise in process engineering, and a passionate vision for sustainable beauty. The position offers competitive benefits and a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Up to 33 days' holiday

Private Medical Insurance

Generous product allowance

50% discount for family and friends

On-site parking

Dog-friendly HQ

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in colour cosmetics development.
• Proven track record of innovative makeup product launches.
• Expert knowledge of raw material chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Develop formulations for colour cosmetics from concept to commercialisation.
• Conduct ingredient research and sensory evaluations.
• Work with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Colour cosmetics development

Process engineering

Ingredient research

Mechanical testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant field

Tools

Glossmeter

Spectrophotometer

Rheology equipment

Powder presses

Job description

Responsibilities

• Develop formulations for colour cosmetics from concept through to commercialisation, with a thorough understanding of various makeup formats (e.g., foundations, lipsticks, mascaras, eyeliners, pressed and loose powders, primers, and highlighters).
• Apply process engineering expertise to scale-up and production, including optimisation of powder pressing (compaction force, dwell time, tooling) and process parameters for different product types.
• Conduct ingredient research, stability studies, and sensory evaluations, integrating raw material insights into high-performance formulations.
• Perform mechanical and physical testing (hardness, payoff, spreadability, adhesion, compressibility) across powders, sticks, and emulsions.
• Carry out surface and optical analysis, including glossmeter readings, colourimetry (ΔE measurement), particle size analysis, opacity/transparency measurement, and imaging for texture evaluation.
• Execute performance and wear tests, including transfer resistance, rub-off, smudge resistance, water resistance, and long-wear studies under controlled conditions.
• Assess sensory and application performance through panel testing, slip measurement, tackiness evaluation, and blendability analysis.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot process issues, optimise batch reproducibility, and ensure smooth technology transfer from lab to production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Regulatory, Manufacturing) to ensure product feasibility, brand alignment, and compliance.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends, raw materials, and technologies shaping the colour cosmetics field.
• Mentor and develop junior chemists, fostering a culture of innovation, scientific excellence, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in colour cosmetics development, spanning formulation and process engineering.
• A proven track record of successfully launching innovative makeup products across multiple formats.
• Expert knowledge of raw material chemistry, pigment dispersion, emulsion systems, and powder compaction.
• Strong expertise in scale-up, validation, and technology transfer into manufacturing.
• Skilled in process equipment operation and optimisation, including powder presses, mills, mixers, and filling lines.
• Proficiency in instrumental testing such as glossmeter, spectrophotometer colour analysis, rheology, and texture analysis.
• Strong understanding of global regulatory frameworks (UK, FDA, EU, ASEAN) and claims substantiation.
• A confident leader with experience mentoring teams and managing cross-functional projects.
• Exceptional troubleshooting skills with the perfect balance of technical depth, creativity, and commercial awareness.

Employment Details

• Employment Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9 am‑5 pm
• 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)
• Salary: Starting from £55,000 (depending on experience)
• Benefits: Hybrid working, up to 33 days' holiday, enhanced family leave, Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, life insurance, EAP through the Wisdom App, generous product allowance and 50% discount for family and friends, access to retailer discounts, Cycle to Work and Electric Car schemes, free breakfast bar, dog‑friendly HQ with a chill zone and pool table, on‑site parking, regular social events, and plenty of well‑being treats throughout the year.
• Start Date: January 2026

About Tropic

At Tropic, we’re building something extraordinary. Our skincare has already changed the game – and now we’re setting our sights on redefining colour cosmetics for a global audience. With ambitious expansion plans and a pipeline brimming with innovation, we’re creating products that don’t just perform, but inspire, empower, and set new benchmarks for sustainable beauty.

That’s where you come in. We’re looking for a visionary Principal Formulation Scientist – Colour Cosmetics to lead this next chapter. This isn’t just about developing formulations – it’s about architecting complete product experiences, from velvety powders to high‑impact lipsticks, flawless foundations, mascaras, and beyond. This role blends scientific expertise, process engineering, and creative innovation. You’ll pioneer new textures, optimise processes, and ensure our products not only succeed in the lab, but also deliver exceptional performance at scale. Alongside driving innovation, you’ll mentor rising talent, collaborate across teams, and see your work evolve into products used and loved worldwide. This is a career‑defining opportunity to put your scientific and engineering stamp on the future of colour cosmetics.

Susie, our Founder and CEO, started Tropic Skincare as a teenager, selling homemade body scrubs at Greenwich Market to help her mum pay the bills. She sold out on her first day, and the incredible response made her realise she had started something quite special. We still sell that iconic body scrub, and it sits alongside an extensive range of award‑winning skincare and beauty products that have made us one of the UK’s fastest‑growing beauty businesses. Our brand is certified vegan, cruelty‑free and CarbonNeutral®, and our infinite purpose is to create a healthier, greener, more empowered world. And that’s where you come in! We’re looking for creative and ambitious people who share our vision and get excited about beauty that’s both innovative and sustainable. If you’re passionate about skincare and have a genuine desire to empower communities across the globe, you could be a great fit.