Formulation Scientist

Prevail Recruiting; Murrieta (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a natural skincare company, seeks a hands-on Lead Formulation Scientist to develop high-performance products from concept through launch. This role combines formulation expertise with ingredient innovation and technical mentorship while upholding clean beauty standards.

The candidate will lead formulation optimization, oversee stability and microbial testing, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with marketing, QA, and production to bring products to market.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of hands-on skincare or personal care formulation experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong cosmetic chemistry and raw material knowledge; proven concept-to-market track record.
• Familiarity with USDA Organic, EWG Verified, and other clean beauty standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize skincare formulations, evaluate raw materials, and identify innovative, sustainable ingredients.
• Lead stability, compatibility, and microbial testing while maintaining accurate formulation and batch documentation.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, support product claims substantiation, and partner with marketing, quality, and production to bring products to market.
• Guide manufacturing scale-up and mentor junior formulators and laboratory technicians.

Skills

Formulation expertise

Leadership

Mentoring

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in Cosmetic Science/ Chemistry/ Biology

Tools

Cosmetic formulation software

ERP

WMS

Job description

Our client, a natural skincare company, is seeking a hands-on Lead Formulation Scientist to develop high-performance products from concept through launch. This role combines formulation expertise, ingredient innovation, and technical mentorship with a commitment to natural and clean beauty standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize skincare formulations, evaluate raw materials, and identify innovative, sustainable ingredients.
• Lead stability, compatibility, and microbial testing while maintaining accurate formulation and batch documentation.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, support product claims substantiation, and partner with marketing, quality, and production to bring products to market.
• Guide manufacturing scale-up and mentor junior formulators and laboratory technicians.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of hands‑on skincare or personal care formulation experience, with significant natural and clean formulation experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong cosmetic chemistry and raw material knowledge, with a proven record of bringing products from concept to market.
• Familiarity with USDA Organic, EWG Verified, and other clean beauty standards.
• Proficiency in formulation software, ERP, and WMS systems, along with strong leadership, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.

Candidates are encouraged to share a résumé, formulation portfolio, or examples of products currently on the market.