Head Skincare R&D and Innovation

Transformative Ventures; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 3,600,000 - 5,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Transformative Ventures is seeking a seasoned Head of Skincare R&D and Innovation to spearhead research, development and commercialization of our skincare portfolio. You will drive scientific research, formulate innovative products and translate discoveries into market-ready solutions.

The role requires hands-on cosmetic science expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to build a high-performing R&D team while collaborating with cross-functional partners.

Qualifications

• Advanced skincare formulation science knowledge and active ingredients
• Experience leading multidisciplinary R&D teams
• Ability to translate research into commercially viable products

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end skincare R&D & formulation development across moisturisers, serums, cleansers, sunscreens, anti-ageing and pigmentation
• Drive ingredient innovation, encapsulation, nanotechnology and delivery systems
• Develop robust validation methodologies for efficacy and safety claims
• Oversee testing, stability, regulatory compliance and quality
• Build and mentor a high-performing R&D team and external partnerships
• Collaborate with Marketing and Insights to translate consumer needs into differentiated products

Skills

Leadership

Cosmetic science

Formulation development

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Master’s or PhD in Cosmetic Science/related field

PhD candidates preferred

Strong scientific foundation

Job description

Head Skincare R&D and Innovation

Job Summary

We are looking for a highly accomplished and scientifically strong R&D leader to spearhead Research, Development and Innovation for our skincare portfolio.

The individual will be responsible for driving scientific research, developing innovative skincare formulations, exploring advanced ingredients and technologies, and translating scientific discoveries into commercially successful products.

The role requires a combination of strong scientific expertise, hands‑on understanding of cosmetic science and formulation development, innovation mindset, and the ability to build and lead a high-performing R&D team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Skincare Research & Formulation Development

• Lead end-to-end research and development of innovative skincare products across categories such as moisturisers, serums, cleansers, sunscreens, anti ageing, pigmentation, acne care and skin repair.


• Drive formulation development, from initial research and concept development to laboratory trials, scale‑up and commercialisation.


• Develop advanced formulations using scientifically validated active ingredients, novel molecules and emerging technologies.


• Ensure formulation efficacy, stability, safety, compatibility and superior sensory performance.


• Apply scientific understanding of skin biology, skin physiology, ingredient interactions and mechanisms of action to product development.

2. Scientific Research & Ingredient Innovation

• Identify and explore emerging skincare ingredients, active molecules, peptides, botanical actives and advanced delivery systems.


• Drive research into novel ingredients, encapsulation technologies, nanotechnology, liposomal delivery, microemulsions and other advanced formulation technologies, wherever relevant.


• Evaluate scientific literature, research publications, patents and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for product differentiation.


• Establish scientific validation methodologies to assess ingredient efficacy, bioavailability, stability and performance.


• Develop proprietary formulations, innovative ingredient combinations and differentiated product technologies.

3. Innovation Strategy & New Product Development

• Build and drive a robust skincare innovation pipeline aligned with business objectives and evolving consumer needs.


• Identify opportunities for breakthrough innovations and differentiated skincare solutions.


• Collaborate with Marketing, Consumer Insights and Business teams to translate consumer problems into scientifically differentiated products.


• Lead the development of new product concepts and ensure successful execution from research to commercial launch.


• Drive continuous innovation and improvement of existing products through new ingredients, technologies and formulation enhancements.

4. R&D Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of formulation scientists, research professionals and technical experts.


• Establish a strong scientific research and innovation culture within the R&D function.


• Set research priorities, technical objectives and innovation roadmaps.


• Build internal scientific capabilities and encourage experimentation, research-led problem solving and knowledge sharing.


• Collaborate with external research institutions, scientific experts, laboratories and technology partners wherever required.

5. Testing, Validation, Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee formulation stability, compatibility, microbiological, safety and efficacy testing.


• Drive scientific validation of product claims through appropriate instrumental, in vitro, consumer and clinical evaluation methodologies.


• Ensure compliance with applicable Indian and international cosmetic regulations and quality standards.


• Establish robust R&D documentation, formulation protocols and product validation processes.


• Work closely with Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing and external testing partners to ensure successful product commercialisation.

6. Technology, Vendor & External Research Partnerships

• Identify and evaluate new technologies, raw materials, active ingredients and specialised formulation capabilities.


• Develop relationships with ingredient manufacturers, technology providers, research institutions and external laboratories.


• Evaluate opportunities for technology partnerships, collaborative research and intellectual property development.


• Drive cost optimisation and manufacturing feasibility without compromising product efficacy, safety or quality.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or other relevant scientific disciplines.


• Ph.D. candidates with strong research credentials in relevant scientific fields will be preferred.


• Candidates must have a strong scientific and research-oriented academic foundation.

Experience

• Significant experience in Research & Development, preferably within skincare, cosmetics, dermatology or the broader beauty and personal care industry.


• Strong understanding of skincare formulation science, active ingredients, skin biology and cosmetic technologies.


• Demonstrated experience in developing innovative skincare formulations and successfully commercialising new products.


• Experience in scientific research, ingredient innovation, efficacy validation and advanced formulation technologies.


• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary R&D teams.


• Experience in building and executing innovation pipelines and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred Attributes

• Research publications, patents, scientific contributions or demonstrated expertise in innovative formulation technologies.


• Exposure to international skincare markets, emerging cosmetic technologies and global ingredient innovation.


• Experience working with research institutions, external laboratories and scientific partners.