Scientist - Makeup

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.; Melville (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. in Melville, NY is seeking an R&D Scientist to join our Makeup team, focusing on high-performance cosmetic formulations from concept to market.

This hands-on, lab-based role blends chemistry, formulation science, and consumer experience to deliver innovative products. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science and 2+ years in cosmetics or related field, with strong lab skills, analytical ability, and clear communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry or related field.
• 2+ years relevant experience in cosmetics or related consumer goods.
• Strong hands-on laboratory and formulation skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
• Highly organized with strong documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize cosmetic formulations aligned with project briefs and regulatory requirements
• Plan and execute structured experiments and analyze data to inform technical decisions
• Conduct stability assessments and evaluate formulation robustness and feasibility
• Create lab batches, perform shade matching, and support cross-functional submissions
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges using scientific and data-driven approaches
• Maintain accurate documentation, lab notebooks, and batch records
• Monitor stability and escalate risks or anomalies
• Communicate project progress, risks, and recommendations
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure technical readiness
• Follow all lab safety, GMP, and compliance standards

Skills

Laboratory skills

Formulation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Documentation

Independence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry or related field

Job description

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.

Description

We are seeking an R&D Scientist to join our Makeup team. This is a hands-on, lab-based role focused on developing high-performance cosmetic formulations. You will work at the intersection of chemistry, formulation science, and consumer experience—applying scientific rigor to bring products from concept to market.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize cosmetic formulations aligned with project briefs and regulatory requirements

Plan and execute structured experiments and analyze data to inform technical decisions

Conduct stability assessments and evaluate formulation robustness and feasibility

Create lab batches, perform shade matching, and support cross-functional submissions

Troubleshoot formulation challenges using scientific and data-driven approaches

Maintain accurate documentation, lab notebooks, and batch records

Monitor stability and escalate risks or anomalies

Communicate project progress, risks, and recommendations

Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure technical readiness

Follow all lab safety, GMP, and compliance standardsA Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry or related scientific field is required.

2+ years relevant experience in a scientific role within the cosmetics industry or a related field (e.g., food, pharmaceutical, or consumer goods).

Strong hands-on laboratory and formulation skills

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Highly organized with strong documentation practices

Ability to manage your workstream with a level of moderate independence.

Preferred Skills

Experience in color cosmetics (complexion, lip, or eye)

Knowledge of cosmetic raw materials and ingredient interactions

Familiarity with DOE or structured experimental design

Exposure to scale-up or manufacturing

Knowledge of regulatory requirements

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry or related scientific field is required.

2+ years relevant experience in a scientific role within the cosmetics industry or a related field (e.g., food, pharmaceutical, or consumer goods).

Strong hands-on laboratory and formulation skills

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Highly organized with strong documentation practices

Ability to manage your workstream with a level of moderate independence.

Preferred Skills

Experience in color cosmetics (complexion, lip, or eye)

Knowledge of cosmetic raw materials and ingredient interactions

Familiarity with DOE or structured experimental design

Exposure to scale-up or manufacturing

Knowledge of regulatory requirements

Pay Range:


The anticipated base salary range for this position is $75,000.00 to $85,000.00. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with the possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results.

In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance), wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education-related programs, paid holidays and vacation time, and many others. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is Company\'s policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The Company will endeavor to provide a reasonable accommodation consistent with the law to otherwise qualified employees and prospective employees with a disability and to employees and prospective employees with needs related to their religious observance or practices. Should you wish to apply for this position or any other position with the Company and you believe you require assistance to complete an application or participate in an interview, please contact [e-mail].

Michigan Applicants: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for employment must notify the company in writing of the need for an accommodation within 182 days after the date the person with a disability knew or reasonably should have known that an accommodation was needed.

Philadelphia Applicants: Philadelphia's Fair Chance Hiring Law

Rhode Island Applicants: The company is subject to chapters 29-38 of title 28 of the general laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state's workers' compensation law.