R&D Chemist (Cosmetic)

Society for Conservation Biology; Clifton (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the beauty industry is seeking an innovative R&D Chemist to join their dynamic team in Clifton, New Jersey. This role focuses on developing next-generation nail polish products, utilizing expertise in UV-curable systems and color formulation, while ensuring compliance with global regulations. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and have 3-5 years of hands-on experience in formulation. If you're passionate about beauty chemistry and looking to push the boundaries of product innovation, apply now!

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in nail polish or gel development.
• Proven expertise in color development and pigment dispersion.
• Knowledge of global cosmetic regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pigment dispersion trials, ensuring stability and visual effects.
• Formulate and develop innovative nail products including UV gel polishes.
• Collaborate with teams to successfully launch new products.

Skills

Color Development

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field

Job description

Employer Color Street and Innovative Cosmetic Concepts Location Clifton, New Jersey, US Salary Competitive Closing date Jun 15, 2025

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:
At Color Street and Innovative Cosmetic Concepts, we believe one brilliant idea can change everything. Our revolutionary, patented, real nail polish strips and ever-expanding line of premium beauty products empower beauty lovers around the globe and inspire our community of Independent Stylists to express themselves in full color!

We are looking for an innovative and results-driven R&D Chemist to join our dynamic innovation team and lead the development of next-generation nail polish strip products. In this role, you will push the boundaries of beauty chemistry, creating cutting-edge UV gel polishes, hybrid coatings, and advanced color formulations that set new industry standards.

As a key contributor to our product pipeline, you will apply your expertise in UV-curable systems, pigment dispersion, and color development to craft high-performance shades-including glitters, effect pigments, and special finishes-while ensuring exceptional color consistency, durability, and aesthetic appeal. You will also drive shade matching, process optimization, and manufacturing scale-up, collaborating cross-functionally to bring innovative concepts to market while maintaining global regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in color development and shade matching processes, ensuring consistency across batches and formats, including solid shades, shimmers, glitters, and layered designs.
• Conduct pigment dispersion trials and evaluate stability, opacity, and visual effects for diverse shade collections.
• Research and source innovative raw materials, including pigments, dyes, and effect additives to align with market trends and seasonal collections.
• Complete performance and quality testing on formulations (adhesion, gloss, wear resistance, curing time, flexibility, color fading, etc.).
• Troubleshoot formulation or application issues and support manufacturing during scale-up.
• Formulate and develop innovative nail products including:
  • UV gel polishes
  • Traditional solvent-based and water-based nail polishes
  • Hybrid nail coatings (gel-like finishes, long-wear systems)
  • Specialty coatings (matte, chrome, glitter-dipped, color-shifting finishes)
• Apply UV-curing technology expertise to design and optimize gel formulations that deliver superior wear, shine, and durability.
• Work closely with marketing, packaging, regulatory, and production teams to successfully launch new products.
• Stay up to date with color trends, nail innovations, and emerging technologies to proactively influence product development roadmaps.
• Ensure formulations comply with domestic and international cosmetic regulations (FDA, EU Cosmetic Regulation, REACH, etc.) and maintain thorough documentation (lab notes, technical reports, regulatory files).

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Polymer Science, Material Science, or related field.
• 3-5 years of hands-on formulation experience in:
  • Nail polish or gel development
  • UV-curable coatings
  • Cosmetic or personal care color formulation (strong plus)
• Proven expertise in color development, shade matching, and pigment dispersion (experience with pearlescent, metallic, holographic, and glitter pigments is highly desirable).
• Strong knowledge of UV-curable resins, oligomers, photo initiators, and related curing technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to troubleshoot color or formulation inconsistencies from lab to production.
• Knowledge of global cosmetic regulatory compliance (including INCI, CPSR, safety assessments, labeling requirements).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects while ensuring on-time delivery.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams (marketing, creative, regulatory, operations)

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