Cosmetic Chemist

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 89,544,000 - 99,187,200; Part time

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a Chemist II for a contract-to-hire role in Carson, CA. You will develop and optimize skincare and OTC formulations, ensuring regulatory compliance and smooth transition from lab to production.

The role requires 3-5+ years of hands-on formulation experience, with expertise in surfactants, emulsions, and dispersion systems. Collaboration with R&D leadership, suppliers, and cross-functional teams is essential to deliver high-quality products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
• 3-5+ years of formulation experience within skincare/haircare/OTC.
• Must know how to formulate OTCs (e.g., sunscreens, anti-acne, anti-dandruff).
• Hands-on experience in formulation chemistry, especially with surfactant systems, emulsions, and dispersion formulations.

Responsibilities

• Formulation Development- Selecting, blending, and testing raw materials to create new prototypes.
• Stability Analysis- Testing formulas for pH, viscosity, and shelf-life to ensure they do not separate.
• Research & Trends- Staying updated on market trends, competitor products, and new ingredients.
• Documentation- Keeping detailed records of formulas, procedures, and test results for regulatory compliance.
• Scale-Up & Production- Transitioning lab batch formulas to large-scale, commercial manufacturing.
• Technical Knowledge- Strong background in chemistry, especially emulsions and interactions.
• Communication- Effectively communicate within the company and with customers and vendors.
• Creativity- Develop unique textures and sensory experiences for consumer products.
• Assist supervisors with assigning projects, answering questions, and coordinating with manufacturing on production batches.

Skills

Formulation chemistry

Surfactant systems

Emulsions

Dispersion formulations

Analytical testing

Documentation

Communication

Regulatory awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry

Job description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Chemist II for a Contract-to-hire opportunity with the Client, a leader in product development and innovation. If you’re passionate about developing formulations that bring new technologies to life and are ready to take the next step in your scientific career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.

Pay: $33/hour

Location: Carson, CA

Schedule: Day Shift Mon-Fri

Overview

The Client is an industry-leading company driving innovation through advanced formulation development. In this role, you will be responsible for creating and optimizing formulations for various applications, ensuring technical accuracy, compliance with regulatory standards, and successful transition from the lab to production.

You will collaborate closely with R&D leadership, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to develop high-quality products that meet client specifications and performance expectations.

Responsibilities

• Formulation Development- Selecting, blending, and testing raw materials to create new prototypes

• Stability Analysis- Testing formulas for pH, viscosity, and shelf-life to ensure they do not separate.
• Research & Trends-Staying updated on market trends, competitor products, and new, innovative ingredients.
• Documentation-Keeping detailed records of formulas, procedures, and test results for regulatory compliance.
• Scale-Up & Production-Transitioning lab batch formulas to large-scale, commercial manufacturing.
• Technical Knowledge-Strong background in chemistry, particularly in emulsion, surfactant, and raw material interactions.
• Communication-Must effectively communicate within the company and with customers and vendors.
• Creativity-Developing unique textures and sensory experiences for consumer products.
• Assist supervisors with assigning projects, answering customers and other departments’ questions, and working with manufacturing to oversee production batches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• 3-5+ years of experience of formulation within Skincare/haircare/OTC required
• Assist with mentoring and training junior staff.
• MUST know how to formulate OTCs, ex. Sunscreens, anti-acne, & anti-dandruff
• Hands-on experience in formulation chemistry, preferably with surfactant systems, emulsions, and dispersion formulations.
• Strong laboratory skills, including data recording, method development, and analytical testing.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements is relevant to product formulations.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and operate standard laboratory equipment safely.