Formulation Scientist

Dermatouch; Ahmedabad; On-site; INR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Dermatouch in Ahmedabad, India is seeking a qualified individual for formulation development in skincare products. The role includes responsibilities such as the development and optimization of formulations, compliance with global food and drug regulations, and conducting analytical tests to ensure product stability and efficacy. A Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in relevant fields with 3-5 years of experience in cosmetic formulation is required. Proficiency in analytical tools like HPLC and knowledge of regulatory practices are necessary for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in cosmetic formulation, R&D, or quality control.
• Experience working in GMP-certified or ISO 22716-compliant laboratories.
• Strong foundation in colloidal chemistry and surfactant interactions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize formulations for skincare products.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies including solubility analysis.
• Ensure compliance with global cosmetics regulations.

Skills

Colloidal chemistry

Emulsification science

Analytical problem-solving

Documentation

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

FTIR

GC-MS

Cosmetic Factory

ChemSketch

Texture analyzers

Job description

Formulation Development & Optimization

• Develop and optimize formulations for various skincare products, including emulsions (oil-in-water, water-in-oil), gels, serums, suspensions, anhydrous systems, and surfactant-based cleansers.
• Select and balance emulsifiers, humectants, emollients, preservatives, and active ingredients based on stability and efficacy.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including solubility analysis, pH optimization, and compatibility testing.
• Perform forced degradation studies to predict formula stability under different conditions.
• Optimize the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) of emulsions for improved consistency and texture.
• Troubleshoot formulation issues such as viscosity drift, phase separation, air entrapment, and active ingredient degradation.

Analytical & Performance Testing

• Perform accelerated stability testing at multiple temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 40°C, 45°C, and freeze-thaw cycles), assessing phase separation, viscosity changes, pH drift, and microbial contamination over time.
• Conduct oxidative stability testing (e.g., peroxide value analysis) for oil-based formulations.
• Evaluate packaging compatibility for leaching, sorption, and migration of active ingredients.
• Conduct Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET/Challenge Tests) as per USP <51>, ISO 11930, or Ph. Eur. 5.1.3 standards.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to prevent microbial contamination.
• Perform rheology measurements using viscometers and rheometers to determine shear‑thinning or shear‑thickening properties.
• Analyze spreadability, adhesion, and absorption rates using texture analyzers.
• Conduct panel testing to assess sensorial attributes such as skin feel, absorption rate, and after‑feel effects.
• Measure penetration and bioavailability of active ingredients using Franz Diffusion Cell studies.
• Conduct antioxidant capacity testing using assays like DPPH and ORAC.
• Use High‑Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for ingredient quantification and validation.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure formulations comply with global cosmetic regulations (e.g., FDA, EU 1223/2009, ASEAN, Health Canada, ISO 22716).
• Maintain detailed Product Information Files (PIF), including formulation composition, safety assessments, and ingredient justifications.
• Develop Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure compliance with REACH and Annex II of EU Cosmetic Regulations.
• Work with toxicologists to conduct Human Repeat Insult Patch Tests (HRIPT) and in‑vitro safety assessments.
• Conduct Ingredient Regulatory Reviews to ensure compliance with allowable concentrations and restrictions.

Batch Manufacturing & Quality Control

• Prepare Batch Manufacturing Record (BMR), documenting raw material batch numbers, weighing logs, and process steps for each batch.
• Ensure all batch formulations align with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Record deviations or formulation adjustments for traceability.
• Develop a standardized master formulation document detailing ingredient percentages, processing parameters, and critical control points.
• Update MFR based on stability study outcomes, scale‑up adjustments, and process validation.
• Translate lab‑scale formulations into pilot and full‑scale production.
• Optimize mixing speeds, shear forces, temperature profiles, and homogenization techniques for reproducibility.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to resolve production challenges, such as aeration, ingredient sedimentation, or batch‑to‑batch variation.
• Conduct first production batch validation and establish acceptance criteria for quality control.
• Stay updated on emerging skincare trends, novel ingredients, and formulation technologies.
• Research new emulsification techniques, such as high‑pressure homogenization, microfluidization, and ultrasonic emulsification.
• Explore the use of biotechnological and green chemistry ingredients, including probiotics, bio‑ferments, and plant‑derived actives.
• Conduct comparative benchmarking of competitor products to assess performance and innovation opportunities.
• Collaborate with suppliers and R&D teams to source and validate new raw materials with enhanced functional properties.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Technical Skills:
  • Strong foundation in colloidal chemistry, emulsification science, and surfactant interactions.
  • Proficiency in formulation software such as Cosmetic Factory, ChemSketch, and formulator software.
  • Experience with analytical instrumentation, including HPLC, FTIR, GC‑MS (for raw material and preservative analysis), spectrophotometry (for UV‑blocking and antioxidant capacity testing), and texture analyzers & rheometers.
• Educational & Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering.
  • 3‑5+ years of experience in cosmetic formulation, R&D, or quality control.
  • Experience working in GMP‑certified or ISO 22716‑compliant laboratories.
• Soft Skills:
  • Analytical problem‑solving for troubleshooting formulation challenges.
  • Strong documentation and record‑keeping skills for regulatory compliance.
  • Attention to detail in ingredient selection, formulation stability, and batch reproducibility.
  • Ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including marketing, R&D, and manufacturing.