Remote Senior Skincare Formulator & Product Developer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Flexible working hours

Health benefits

Product allowance

Professional development budget

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Senior Skincare Formulator & Product Developer for a fully remote role. You will own the concept, development, and regulatory alignment of advanced skincare products from ideation through scale-up and launch, collaborating with Marketing and R&D in a fast-moving, global beauty brand.

The ideal candidate has a PhD/Masters in a relevant field and 7+ years of hands-on experience in cosmetic science, with a proven track record of launching innovative products

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant scientific field.
• Minimum of 7 years in skincare formulation and product development.
• Experience launching innovative skincare products.
• Knowledge of global cosmetic regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and formulate skincare products (serums, moisturizers, cleansers, masks).
• Oversee the product development lifecycle from ideation to stability testing and safety assessments.
• Collaborate with Marketing and R&D to translate market needs into concepts.
• Coordinate with third-party labs for scale-up and production.
• Perform stability, efficacy, and compatibility testing; ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Communication skills

Remote collaboration

Education

Masters or PhD in Chemistry/Cosmetic Science/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a pioneering and fast-growing direct-to-consumer beauty brand seeking an exceptionally talented Remote Senior Skincare Formulator & Product Developer. This fully remote position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our skincare line, driving innovation from concept to creation. You will be at the forefront of developing cutting-edge, effective, and luxurious skincare products that align with our brand ethos and meet the evolving demands of our discerning global customer base. This role requires a profound understanding of cosmetic chemistry, market trends, and sustainable formulation practices. Working from the comfort of your home office, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to bring revolutionary skincare solutions to life. We are looking for a creative, analytical, and highly motivated individual passionate about skincare and product innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and formulate innovative skincare products, including serums, moisturizers, cleansers, masks, and treatment products.
• Conduct extensive research on raw materials, ingredients, and novel technologies to identify opportunities for product differentiation and enhancement.
• Oversee and manage the entire product development lifecycle, from initial ideation and bench formulation to stability testing, safety assessments, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate closely with the Marketing and R&D teams to translate market insights and consumer needs into viable product concepts.
• Work with third-party manufacturers and contract labs to ensure seamless scale-up and production of new formulations, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Perform and document stability testing, efficacy testing, and compatibility studies for new and existing formulations.
• Ensure all formulations comply with relevant international regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, EU regulations).
• Stay current with global cosmetic regulations, industry trends, and competitor activities.
• Prepare technical documentation, including ingredient lists, manufacturing procedures, and product specifications.
• Contribute to the refinement of existing product formulations for improved performance or cost-effectiveness.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in skincare formulation and product development within the beauty industry.
• Proven track record of successfully launching innovative skincare products.
• Deep understanding of cosmetic ingredients, their functions, and safety profiles.
• Expertise in formulation techniques, stability testing, and preservation systems.
• Familiarity with global cosmetic regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.
• Proficiency in laboratory equipment and standard cosmetic testing procedures.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible working hours.
• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous product allowance and employee discounts.
• Annual professional development budget for conferences and training.
• Opportunity to significantly impact a rapidly growing and innovative beauty brand.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Access to a global network of beauty industry professionals.