Remote Skincare Formulation Chemist & Consultant

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible remote work

Future full-time opportunities

Collaborative, science-driven culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Remote Skincare Formulation Chemist & Consultant to lead concept-to-launch skincare formulations for a direct-to-consumer brand. You will source ingredients, ensure safety and efficacy, and collaborate closely with product development, marketing, and regulatory teams.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science with 7+ years in skincare formulation, deep knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, stability testing, and global

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field.
• 7+ years of progressive cosmetic formulation experience, skincare focus.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop novel skincare formulations across product categories.
• Source and evaluate new cosmetic ingredients for efficacy and safety.
• Conduct stability and efficacy testing and refine formulations.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges to ensure product quality and performance.
• Collaborate with regulatory to ensure compliance with international cosmetics regulations.
• Provide scientific expertise to marketing and R&D teams on ingredients and claims.
• Manage projects from benchtop to pilot and scale-up.
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and technical reports.
• Stay abreast of latest scientific advancements and industry trends.
• Review marketing claims for scientific accuracy.

Skills

Formulation chemistry

Regulatory awareness

Analytical reasoning

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry / Cosmetic Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a rapidly growing direct-to-consumer skincare brand seeking a highly experienced and innovative Remote Skincare Formulation Chemist & Consultant. This role is critical in driving the development of new, cutting-edge skincare products from concept to launch. You will leverage your deep scientific knowledge and understanding of cosmetic ingredients to create effective, safe, and market-leading formulations. Working entirely remotely, you will collaborate closely with our product development team, marketing, and regulatory affairs to ensure products meet our high standards and consumer expectations. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, highly organized, and possesses exceptional problem-solving skills. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our product line and contribute significantly to a forward-thinking beauty company from anywhere, focusing on the nuances of skincare science and ingredient synergy.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop novel skincare formulations across various product categories (e.g., cleansers, serums, moisturizers, treatments).
• Source and evaluate new and innovative cosmetic ingredients, understanding their efficacy, safety, and compatibility.
• Conduct stability and efficacy testing, and interpret results to refine formulations.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and identify solutions to ensure product quality and performance.
• Collaborate with the regulatory team to ensure all formulations comply with relevant international cosmetic regulations and safety standards.
• Provide scientific and technical expertise to the marketing and R&D teams regarding ingredients, product benefits, and claims substantiation.
• Manage formulation projects from benchtop development through to pilot and scale-up.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, formulation records, and technical reports.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, industry trends, and competitor product innovations in skincare.
• Review and provide feedback on product marketing claims and consumer-facing literature for scientific accuracy.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in cosmetic formulation, specifically within the skincare sector.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching innovative skincare products.
• Extensive knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, their functions, mechanisms of action, and safety profiles.
• Familiarity with various formulation types (emulsions, gels, suspensions, powders, etc.).
• Understanding of cosmetic product stability, preservation, and packaging interactions.
• Knowledge of global cosmetic regulations (e.g., FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation.

Benefits

• Competitive freelance/contract rate commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Flexible remote work arrangement, allowing you to work from anywhere.
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic and innovative skincare brand.
• Direct impact on product development and company success.
• Collaborative environment with a focus on scientific excellence.
• Access to potential future full-time opportunities or ongoing project work.
• Be part of a team that is passionate about creating effective and high-quality skincare.