Cosmetic Chemist

Kelly Services; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking an R&D Chemist for a contract-to-hire role in Carson, CA. You will develop and optimize skincare/haircare formulations, document methods, and ensure regulatory compliance from lab to production.

The role emphasizes hands-on formulation work, data integrity, and collaboration with R&D leadership and suppliers to deliver high-quality products that meet customer specs and performance expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• 1+ years of formulation experience in skincare/haircare/OTC.
• Hands‑on formulation chemistry, preferably with surfactant systems, emulsions, and dispersion formulations.
• Strong laboratory skills: data recording, method development, and analytical testing.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements relevant to product formulations.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and operate standard laboratory equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Develop new formulations and modify existing ones to meet project goals and customer needs.
• Maintain proper documentation in lab notebooks with data, procedures, specs, and stability information.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as pH meters, viscometers, and moisture analyzers.
• Gather and analyze stability data on formulations under evaluation and report issues to the R&D Manager.
• Write detailed manufacturing procedures and finished product specifications for production batches.
• Supervise or assist with initial production batches to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Stay current on new raw materials, technologies, and regulatory requirements by attending seminars and engaging with suppliers.
• Communicate with internal teams and customers regarding formulation progress and product performance.

Skills

Formulation chemistry

Analytical testing

Lab documentation

Regulatory compliance

Surfactant systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field

Tools

pH meters

Viscometers

Moisture analyzers

Job description

Chemist 1

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking an R&D Chemist 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: $26-28/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:

• Develop new formulations and modify existing ones in alignment with project goals and customer needs.
• Maintain proper documentation in lab notebooks, including formulation data, procedures, specifications, and stability information.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as pH meters, viscometers, and moisture analyzers.
• Gather and analyze stability data on formulations under evaluation, reporting issues promptly to the R&D Manager.
• Write detailed manufacturing procedures and finished product specifications for production batches.
• Supervise or assist with initial production batches to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Stay current on new raw materials, technologies, and regulatory requirements by attending seminars and engaging with suppliers.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and customers regarding formulation progress and product performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• 1+ years of experience of formulation within Skincare/haircare/OTC required
• 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.