Cosmetic Chemist II — Skincare & OTC Formulations

The Hut Group; New Jersey; On-site; USD 60,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

THG is seeking a Chemist II at Bentley Laboratories in Edison, NJ. The role requires a degree and 2–3 years in cosmetic development, with responsibility for lab batches from concept to completion under the R&D Manager.

You will review PDRs, formulate OTC and non-OTC personal care products, manage multiple projects, prepare batches, test stability, stay current with ingredients, and support regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in cosmetic formulation development and R&D.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience developing and modifying personal care, skincare, and haircare formulations.
• Knowledge of formulation troubleshooting, stability testing, and laboratory best practices.
• Understanding of cosmetic industry regulations, including FDA, CTFA, PCPC, and cGMP requirements.
• Experience supporting scale-up activities and working within cross-functional teams, including Regulatory and Manufacturing.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• High level of initiative, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to maintaining safe working practices and promoting a positive workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Review PDRs, collaborate with Sales Executives to clarify requirements, and ensure successful project completion.
• Formulate OTC and non-OTC personal care, skincare, and sun care products using in-depth knowledge of ingredients and processes to meet customer-defined technical and aesthetic requirements.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing activities to ensure timely delivery and successful outcomes.
• Prepare laboratory batches for customer evaluation, incorporating feedback through reformulation and resubmission as required.
• Conduct and monitor stability testing in accordance with approved protocols, reformulating products when stability issues are identified.
• Stay current with emerging cosmetic ingredients, technologies, and industry trends, applying innovative solutions to product development.
• Optimize formulations to enhance product performance, cost efficiency, and manufacturing effectiveness.
• Provide technical support to customers and Sales Executives, including participation in account team meetings and teleconferences.
• Maintain accurate and complete R&D documentation in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.
• Mentor and collaborate with junior chemists and new hires to support effective bench work, project execution, and successful sample submissions.
• Develop detailed laboratory-scale manufacturing processes, including order of addition, critical raw materials, processing parameters, benchmarks, preliminary specifications, and test results.
• Partner with Regulatory to ensure all formulations meet applicable compliance requirements.
• Contribute to internal knowledge-sharing initiatives, including SOP development, training materials, and technical databases.
• Attend industry conferences, workshops, and professional development activities to expand formulation expertise and technical knowledge.
• Promote a safe working environment by adhering to health, safety, cGMP, and laboratory procedures, while fostering a positive and safety-focused culture.

Skills

Cosmetic formulation

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Chemical Eng

Job description

THG is seeking a Chemist II at Bentley Laboratories in Edison, NJ. The role requires a degree and 2–3 years in cosmetic development, with responsibility for lab batches from concept to completion under the R&D Manager.

You will review PDRs, formulate OTC and non-OTC personal care products, manage multiple projects, prepare batches, test stability, stay current with ingredients, and support regulatory compliance.