Remote Senior Beauty Product Developer - Skincare Focus

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Home office allowance

Product discounts

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Remote Senior Beauty Product Developer focused on skincare. You will lead end-to-end development, conduct market research, and ensure regulatory compliance for global markets.

This role is fully remote within South Africa, with preference for Western Cape-based candidates and strong cross-functional collaboration across R&D, marketing, and supply chain. The ideal candidate has 6–8 years in skincare formulation, a chemistry background, and proven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 6–8 years in beauty product development, with skincare formulation focus.
• Deep knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and manufacturing processes.
• Proven track record from concept to commercialization.
• Familiar with global cosmetic regulations and compliance standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent project management and organization.
• Excellent communication and remote teamwork skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and product development software.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of new skincare products from concept to launch.
• Conduct market research and trend analysis for new opportunities and ingredients.
• Formulate and optimize skincare formulations for efficacy, stability, and safety.
• Collaborate with contract manufacturers and internal R&D teams on pilot batches and scale-up.
• Manage product testing including stability and consumer use testing.
• Ensure formulations meet regulatory requirements locally and internationally.
• Work with marketing on product positioning, messaging and claims.
• Manage timelines and budgets; maintain cross-functional communication.
• Provide technical support to marketing, sales and customer service teams.
• Mentor junior developers and formulators.

Skills

Cosmetic chemistry

Formulation skills

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Master's in Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office

Formulation software

Regulatory databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding global beauty brand recognized for its innovative skincare formulations, is seeking a highly experienced Remote Senior Beauty Product Developer with a strong focus on skincare. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, with a preference for candidates based near our client's operational hubs in the Western Cape. You will be at the forefront of conceptualizing, developing, and launching new skincare products that align with market trends and brand identity. This role requires a deep understanding of cosmetic chemistry, ingredient efficacy, formulation techniques, and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, marketing, sales, and supply chain to bring cutting-edge skincare solutions to life. The ideal candidate possesses a scientific mindset, exceptional project management skills, and a proven track record of successfully developing and launching popular skincare lines. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of skincare for a globally recognized brand from the comfort of your home office. The emphasis is on driving innovation and ensuring product excellence through a remote-first approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of new skincare products, from concept ideation to market launch.
• Conduct market research and trend analysis to identify new product opportunities and ingredients.
• Formulate and optimize skincare product formulations, ensuring efficacy, stability, and safety.
• Collaborate with contract manufacturers and internal R&D teams on pilot batches and scale-up processes.
• Manage product testing, including stability, efficacy, and consumer use testing.
• Ensure all product formulations and claims comply with relevant regulatory requirements (local and international).
• Work closely with the marketing team to develop product positioning, key messaging, and claims.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and cross-functional communication to ensure timely product delivery.
• Provide technical support and expertise to marketing, sales, and customer service teams.
• Mentor and guide junior product developers and formulators.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in beauty product development, with a significant focus on skincare formulation.
• In-depth knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, formulation science, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience in developing successful skincare products from concept to commercialization.
• Familiarity with global cosmetic regulations and compliance standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience working in remote team environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and product development software.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development with a leading beauty company.
• Generous product allowance and employee discounts.
• Contribution towards home office setup and internet expenses.
• Be part of an innovative and dynamic global beauty brand.
• Regular virtual team-building activities and professional networking opportunities.