Formulation Scientist

Dermatouch; Ahmedabad District; On-site; INR 800,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunities

Collaborative culture

Exposure to skincare brand operations

Job summary

Dermatouch is seeking a qualified cosmetic scientist to lead formulation development and optimization for skincare products. You will conduct stability, compatibility, and regulatory testing while maintaining GMP-compliant documentation and PIFs.

The role involves scaling lab formulations to manufacturing, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and staying updated on ingredient trends and green chemistry approaches.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in colloidal chemistry, emulsification, and surfactant interactions.
• Proficiency with formulation software and analytical instrumentation.
• Experience in GMP/ISO 22716 labs and regulatory documentation.
• Educational background in cosmetic science or related fields; 3–5+ years in formulation/R&D.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize skincare formulations including emulsions, gels, serums, and cleansers.
• Conduct stability, compatibility, and preservative efficacy testing per industry standards.
• Ensure GMP/ISO 22716 compliance and maintain Product Information Files (PIF).
• Document batch records, SOPs, and deviations; support scale-up to manufacturing.

Skills

Colloidal chemistry

Emulsification science

Surfactant interactions

Analytical problem-solving

Documentation discipline

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/Ph.D. in Cosmetic Science or related

Tools

Cosmetic Factory

ChemSketch

Formulator Software

HPLC

FTIR

GC-MS

Spectrophotometry

Texture Analyzers

Rheometers

Job description

1. 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.

2. Analytical & Performance Testing

Stability & Compatibility Testing:

Perform accelerated stability testing at multiple temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 40°C, 45°C, and freeze-thaw cycles).

Assess 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.

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.

3. 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.

4. Batch Manufacturing & Quality Control

Batch Manufacturing Record (BMR) Preparation:

Document 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 any 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  ..

Required Skills & Qualifications

Requirements

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).

Texture Analyzers & Rheometers (for viscoelastic behaviour evaluation).

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.

• A growing skincare brand with a focus on science-backed, dermatologist-led products
• A collaborative work culture where ideas are heard and teamwork is valued
• Opportunities to learn, take ownership, and grow with the company
• Exposure to how a skincare brand works, across teams and functions