Skincare Formulation Scientist - Acne Innovation

Shield Labs; Naples (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield Labs in Naples, FL, is hiring an R&D Formulation Scientist to work on-site in our Naples lab. You will independently develop and improve acne-focused skincare formulations, run controlled experiments, and help translate promising prototypes into scalable commercial products.

The role requires 2–5+ years of hands-on formulation experience, strong knowledge of emulsions and stability, and the ability to manage multiple projects with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemistry, cosmetic science, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical science, or related field.
• 2–5+ years of hands‑on formulation experience in skincare, cosmetics, personal care, topical pharmaceuticals, or related field.
• Experience independently researching actives and formulation technologies, developing experimental plans, and translating research into prototype formulations.
• Strong understanding of emulsions, surfactants, rheology, polymers, preservation, pH, ingredient compatibility, stability, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong experimental thinker; able to isolate variables and troubleshoot.
• Experience taking products from benchtop formulation through scale‑up and manufacturing.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ownership and curiosity.
• Experience with OTC acne products, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or dermatology products is a plus.
• Familiarity with GMP principles, technical documentation, and formulation development in regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Product Formulation — Independently develop, optimize, and reformulate cleansers, moisturizers, serums, gels, and other skincare products from concept to commercialization.
• Experimental R&D — Design controlled experiments to understand ingredients, concentrations, delivery systems, and processing effects on efficacy and stability.
• Acne Innovation — Research and test new ingredients and technologies to improve acne outcomes.
• Troubleshooting — Diagnose stability, viscosity, compatibility, processing, preservation, and scale‑up issues.
• Stability & Testing — Design stability testing protocols and analyze trends and OOS results.
• Raw Material & Supplier Research — Evaluate new materials and work with supplier technical teams.
• Scale-Up & Manufacturing — Partner with contract manufacturers to translate lab formulas to production.
• Lab Leadership — Guide R&D Lab Technician and help establish SOPs and testing methods.
• Strategic Product Development — Identify key questions and experiments with Head of Product.

Skills

Formulation development

Scale‑up

Experimental design

Quality control

GMP awareness

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in chemistry

Cosmetic science/related field

Job description

Shield Labs in Naples, FL, is hiring an R&D Formulation Scientist to work on-site in our Naples lab. You will independently develop and improve acne-focused skincare formulations, run controlled experiments, and help translate promising prototypes into scalable commercial products.

The role requires 2–5+ years of hands-on formulation experience, strong knowledge of emulsions and stability, and the ability to manage multiple projects with an entrepreneurial mindset.