Remote Senior Beauty Product Development Chemist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position

Competitive salary

Bonus potential

Work on innovative beauty products

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Senior Beauty Product Development Chemist to drive the research, development and formulation of cosmetic and skincare products from concept to market. You will oversee stability testing, scale-up and regulatory compliance while collaborating with marketing, regulatory affairs and manufacturing.

The ideal candidate has a Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field and 7+ years of cosmetic formulation experience, with deep knowledge of materials, surfactants, emulsions

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in cosmetic product formulation and development.
• Deep understanding of cosmetic raw materials, surfactant systems, emulsification and various formulation types.
• Proven track record of bringing new beauty products to market.
• Experience with stability testing, analytical techniques, and quality control procedures.
• Strong knowledge of global cosmetic regulations (FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation).

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation and development of new cosmetic and skincare products.
• Research innovative ingredients, raw materials and technologies.
• Develop and optimize formulations and troubleshoot issues.
• Conduct stability, compatibility and efficacy assessments.
• Collaborate with marketing to understand briefs and consumer needs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with local and international regulations.
• Oversee scale-up from lab to full-scale manufacturing.
• Document all research and formulation details.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and QA teams.
• Stay updated on industry trends and scientific advancements.

Skills

Cosmetic formulation

Stability testing

Analytical techniques

Regulatory knowledge

Multitasking

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry/Cosmetic Science/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Formulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned international beauty brand with a significant presence in South Africa, is seeking an experienced Remote Senior Beauty Product Development Chemist. This is a fully remote role, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will be at the forefront of innovation, responsible for the research, development, and formulation of new cosmetic and skincare products. Your role will involve everything from conceptualization and raw material selection to stability testing, scale‑up, and ensuring regulatory compliance. We are looking for a highly skilled chemist with a profound understanding of cosmetic science, formulation techniques, and a keen awareness of market trends and consumer demands in the beauty sector. This position requires meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously within a remote setting. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing, to bring cutting‑edge beauty products from concept to market. Join our client's dynamic R&D division and shape the future of beauty from your remote workspace, influencing product lines used globally. This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage your scientific acumen in a flexible, remote‑first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and development of new cosmetic and skincare products, ensuring high performance, safety, and aesthetic appeal.


• Conduct extensive research on innovative ingredients, raw materials, and emerging technologies relevant to the beauty industry.


• Develop and optimize product formulations, troubleshooting any issues that arise during development.


• Perform stability testing, compatibility studies, and efficacy assessments for new formulations.


• Collaborate closely with marketing teams to understand product briefs, target markets, and consumer needs.


• Work with regulatory affairs teams to ensure all product formulations comply with local and international cosmetic regulations.


• Oversee the scale‑up process from lab bench to pilot plant and full‑scale manufacturing.


• Document all research, development activities, and formulation details meticulously.


• Provide technical support and expertise to manufacturing and quality control teams.


• Stay current with industry trends, competitor products, and scientific advancements in cosmetic chemistry.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in cosmetic product formulation and development within the beauty industry.


• Deep understanding of cosmetic raw materials, surfactant systems, emulsification, and various formulation types (creams, lotions, serums, powders, etc.).


• Proven track record of successfully bringing new beauty products to market.


• Experience with stability testing, analytical techniques, and quality control procedures.


• Strong knowledge of global cosmetic regulations (e.g., FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation).


• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.


• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines in a remote environment.


• Strong communication and collaboration skills for effective teamwork across departments and geographies.


• Proficiency in laboratory equipment and formulation software.

Benefits

• Fully remote position offering significant work-life balance and flexibility.


• Highly competitive salary and potential for bonuses.


• Opportunity to work on innovative and award‑winning beauty products.


• Contribution to a globally recognized and respected beauty brand.


• Access to cutting‑edge research and development tools.


• Professional growth and development opportunities within the R&D function.


• Work from anywhere in South Africa.