Remote Senior Product Developer - Natural Skincare

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonuses

Health, dental, vision insurance

Home office setup allowance

Flexible remote hours

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Product Developer to join our fully remote Product Development team. Lead the lifecycle from ideation to launch of natural and organic skincare products, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.

The ideal candidate has deep cosmetic chemistry knowledge, 8+ years in skincare R&D, and excels in remote collaboration, project management, regulatory awareness, and sourcing sustainable ingredients.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmacy or related field.
• 8+ years in skincare/cosmetics product development with natural/organic formulations.
• Expertise in formulation science, cosmetic chemistry and ingredient knowledge.
• Proven track record launching skincare products from concept to market.
• Strong understanding of stability testing, preservation and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development and formulation of new natural skincare products.
• Oversee product development lifecycle from concept to market-ready formulations.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing and regulatory to ensure compliance and viability.
• Conduct stability, compatibility and efficacy testing for new formulations.
• Source and evaluate natural materials with ethical/sustainable sourcing.
• Troubleshoot formulations and optimize existing lines.
• Develop product specs, manufacturing procedures and QA guidelines.
• Stay current with industry trends, scientific advances and regulatory changes.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for timely launches.

Skills

Cosmetic Chemistry

Formulation Science

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Remote Collaboration

Education

Advanced degree in cosmetic science

Tools

Lab Equipment Proficiency

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding and innovative company specializing in natural and organic skincare, is looking for a highly experienced Senior Product Developer to join their fully remote Product Development team. This role is instrumental in conceptualizing, formulating, and bringing to market cutting-edge skincare products that align with our brand's commitment to natural ingredients and sustainable practices. You will lead the entire product lifecycle, from initial ideation and research through to final production and launch. As a fully remote position, we foster a collaborative and agile work environment, leveraging digital tools to ensure seamless communication and project execution. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of cosmetic chemistry, natural ingredients, and formulation science within the beauty & wellness space.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and formulation of new natural and organic skincare products.


• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from concept generation to market-ready formulations.


• Collaborate closely with the R&D team, marketing, and regulatory affairs to ensure product compliance and market viability.


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


• Source and evaluate high-quality natural and organic raw materials, ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing.


• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and optimize existing product lines.


• Develop detailed product specifications, manufacturing procedures, and quality control guidelines.


• Stay current with industry trends, scientific advancements, and regulatory changes in the natural skincare sector.


• Manage project timelines and budgets effectively to ensure timely product launches.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmacy, or a related scientific field.


• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in product development within the skincare or cosmetics industry, with a strong focus on natural and organic formulations.


• Proven expertise in formulation science, cosmetic chemistry, and ingredient knowledge.


• Demonstrated success in launching successful skincare products from concept to commercialization.


• Strong understanding of stability testing, preservation, and regulatory requirements for cosmetic products.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.


• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a remote setting.


• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.


• A deep passion for natural and sustainable beauty.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.


• Generous allowance for home office setup and ongoing professional development.


• Flexible working hours within a remote work structure.


• Opportunity to work with innovative natural ingredients and shape the future of the clean beauty market.


• Collaborative and dynamic remote team culture.


• Make a significant impact on product innovation for a leading beauty & wellness brand.