Senior Chemist II, Face Makeup Formulation Development, L'Oréal Research & Innovation

L'Oréal; Clark (NJ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Hybrid work policy

Flexible time off

VIP product discounts

Learning & development

Employee resource groups

Job summary

L’Oréal is seeking a Senior Chemist II for the US Face Makeup Development team in Clark, NJ. The role drives formulation of on-trend face makeup products from concept through launch, applying emulsions, rheology, and shade matching expertise to create high-performing products for iconic brands.

We offer a base salary with a comprehensive benefits package, a hybrid work policy, and opportunities across brands, markets, and divisions. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field is required; Master’s degree is a plus.
• 5 to 7+ years of cosmetic makeup formulation development experience or related field is required.
• Experience formulating emulsions and surfactant-focused products is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine breakthrough face makeup formulas from concept to launch.
• Stay ahead of science and trends by reviewing literature and market data.
• Manage multiple projects with defined timelines and deliverables.
• Collaborate with Safety, Regulatory, Microbiology, Marketing, and Operations teams.
• Bridge lab formulation to scale-up and full-scale production, ensuring smooth transitions.

Skills

Formulation expertise

Project management

Scientific rigor

Communication skills

Creativity

Collaboration

Makeup enthusiast

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science/Chemical Engineering/Chemistry

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Senior Chemist II, Face Makeup Formulation Development, L'Oréal Research & Innovation – Clark, New Jersey

Life is too short for a boring career, so build an extraordinary one with us. We believe your career should spark the same thrill and curiosity as your personal interests. Creativity drives everything we do, turning ideas into meaningful impact. With opportunities across brands, markets, and divisions, your growth knows no boundaries.

Who We Are

Join us at L’Oréal, the world's #1 beauty company present in over 150 markets. For over a century, we have been transforming; fueled by data, tech, innovation, and science. Together, we tackle big challenges while making sure we stay committed to making the world a more inclusive and a better place for everyone & our planet.

At L’Oréal Research & Innovation we are pushing the boundaries of Science & Tech. We invest heavily in cutting-edge research, leveraging advanced technologies to understand skin, hair, and microbiome, while discovering new active ingredients and launching outperforming formulas.

Our 3,500 L’Oréal R&I experts leverage Science & Technology to invent safe, trustable, sustainable & responsible beauty products and experiences that will change people’s lives.

Our US Face Makeup Development team is where color, science, and self-expression collide. Supporting the iconic NYX and Maybelline brands, our team is redefining what’s possible across the full spectrum of face makeup — from Foundations and Concealers to Blushes, Bronzers, Highlighters, Primers, Setting Sprays, and BB/CC Creams. We thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced lab environment where cutting‑edge formulation science meets a genuine passion for beauty that performs, inspires, and lasts.

We are seeking a Senior Chemist II to join our Face Makeup Development team. In this role, you will drive the formulation of innovative, on‑trend face makeup products from concept through to launch — bringing your expertise in emulsions, rheology, and shade matching to create products that consumers will fall in love with, while helping maintain the safe, organized, and high‑performing lab environment our team is known for.

A Day in the Life

• Develop and refine breakthrough face makeup formulas, ensuring every product meets the highest standards of performance, safety, and quality, while precisely matching shade benchmarks to deliver on‑trend, high‑quality products that resonate with consumers.
• Stay ahead of the science and the trends, maintaining close awareness of scientific literature, emerging raw materials, and market trends to continuously fuel your formulation innovation.
• Own multiple projects from concept to launch, managing clear objectives and deadlines across a dynamic pipeline, and ensuring timely, high‑quality delivery that keeps product launches on track.
• Anticipate challenges before they become roadblocks, proactively identifying and resolving issues during development, scale‑up, or manufacturing stages, and offering creative, actionable solutions that keep projects moving forward.
• Champion cross‑functional collaboration, partnering closely with Safety, Regulatory, and Microbiology teams to ensure full compliance and approvals, while working hand‑in‑hand with Marketing to align on product expectations and share progress throughout development.
• Bridge the lab and the factory floor, partnering with Operations to manage timelines and ensure smooth, seamless transitions from lab‑scale formulation to full‑scale production.
• Uphold rigorous quality and stability standards, performing product stability testing, proactively addressing issues, and supporting the pilot team from a technical standpoint throughout the scale‑up process — anticipating challenges and helping resolve them before they impact timelines.
• Maintain meticulous documentation, keeping accurate records and following quality procedures diligently to ensure excellence and traceability across every stage of development.

We Are Looking For

• Education: A completed Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific field is required. A Master’s degree in these fields is a plus.
• Experience: 5 to 7+ years of experience in cosmetic makeup formulation development, or related experience in a different industry, is required. Hands‑on experience formulating emulsions and surfactant‑focused products is a strong plus.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Formulation expertise, with experience in surfactants, emulsions, and rheology considered a significant advantage.
  • Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects against defined timelines and deliverables.
  • Scientific rigor and sound problem‑solving capabilities, with the ability to make well‑reasoned decisions under pressure and adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
• Soft Skills & Attributes:
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and confidently across technical and non‑technical audiences.
  • A creative, self‑motivated mindset — you think outside the box and are always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.
  • Strong initiative and a sense of urgency, paired with the flexibility to navigate ambiguity and multiple simultaneous priorities with confidence.
  • A collaborative spirit, comfortable partnering across R&D, Marketing, Operations, and Regulatory functions to drive shared success.
  • Willingness to apply and wear makeup daily as part of the role’s hands‑on, product‑immersive nature.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required. No visa sponsorship is offered for this role

What’s In It For You

• Base Salary Range: $90,200 – $128,500 (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job‑related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level)
• Competitive Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)
• Hybrid Work Policy (Subject to manager approval)
• Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)
• Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L’Oréal's Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)
• Learning and Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E‑learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
• Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
• Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs

Don't meet every single requirement? At L'Oréal, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with the qualifications listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We're committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual's gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio‑economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.