Formulation Scientist

Prevail Recruiting; Murrieta (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Prevail Recruiting is seeking an experienced Formulation Scientist to lead skincare product development from concept through launch, with a focus on natural, non-toxic ingredients and clean beauty standards.

The ideal candidate blends cosmetic chemistry expertise with hands-on formulation work, including stability testing, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with marketing, QA, and production teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 3–5+ years hands-on formulation experience in skincare/personal care.
• Experience developing natural, clean, organic, or non-toxic formulations.
• Strong cosmetic chemistry, formulation techniques, ingredient functionality, preservation, and product stability.
• Proven track record taking products from formulation through commercial launch.
• Experience with stability, compatibility, and microbial testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, formulation, development, and optimization of skincare and personal care products from concept to launch.
• Develop and refine formulas for performance, stability, safety, efficacy, and consumer experience.
• Select and validate raw materials aligned with clean beauty and sustainability standards.
• Design and execute stability, compatibility, and microbial testing programs.
• Maintain detailed formula, batch, testing, and development documentation.
• Provide technical guidance during scale-up and production to maintain formula integrity.

Skills

Cosmetic chemistry

Formulation development

Regulatory knowledge

Stability testing

Documentation

Project leadership

ERP/WMS experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science/Chemistry/Biology

Tools

Formulation software

ERP/WMS systems

Job description

A growing clean skincare and personal care company is seeking an experienced Formulation Scientist to lead the development of innovative, high-performance products using natural, non-toxic, and clean ingredients.

This is a hands-on formulation role with ownership across the full product development lifecycle—from initial concept and ingredient selection through testing, scale‑up, manufacturing, and commercial launch. The ideal candidate combines strong cosmetic chemistry expertise with a genuine passion for clean, natural, and high-performance skincare formulation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, formulation, development, and optimization of new skincare and personal care products from concept through launch.
• Develop and refine formulas for performance, stability, safety, efficacy, and consumer experience.
• Select and validate raw materials consistent with clean beauty, sustainability, and performance standards.
• Design and execute stability, compatibility, and microbial testing programs.
• Maintain detailed formula, batch, testing, and development documentation.
• Identify innovative natural and clean ingredients and emerging formulation technologies.
• Partner with ingredient suppliers and evaluate sustainable, regenerative, and wildcrafted ingredient options.
• Ensure formulations meet applicable regulatory requirements and internal clean beauty standards.
• Support product claims substantiation and collaborate with Quality on raw material and finished‑product testing.
• Provide technical guidance during scale‑up and production runs, ensuring formula integrity as products transition from the lab into manufacturing.
• Partner closely with Marketing, Production, Quality, and other stakeholders throughout product development.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior formulators and laboratory team members.

Ideal Background

The strongest candidate will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 3–5+ years of hands‑on formulation experience within skincare or personal care.
• Meaningful experience developing natural, clean, organic, or non‑toxic formulations.
• Strong understanding of cosmetic chemistry, formulation techniques, ingredient functionality, preservation, and product stability.
• Demonstrated success taking products from initial formulation through commercial launch.
• Experience with stability, compatibility, and microbial testing.
• Knowledge of cosmetic regulatory and labeling requirements.
• Familiarity with clean beauty standards and certifications such as USDA Organic and EWG Verified.
• Experience with ERP, WMS, and/or formulation software.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

What Will Make Someone Stand Out

We are particularly interested in formulators who have hands‑on experience developing products such as balms, serums, deodorants, creams, oils, and other skincare/personal care products and who understand the unique technical challenges associated with natural formulations.

Experience working with regenerative or wildcrafted ingredients, natural preservation systems, clean ingredient sourcing, INCI requirements, and third‑party clean/organic certifications would be highly valuable.