Senior Beauty Product Development Chemist

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Product discounts

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Beauty Product Development Chemist in Johannesburg to lead formulation from concept to launch, leveraging cosmetic chemistry expertise and project management to deliver high-quality skincare, color cosmetics, and haircare products.

You will work with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams to ensure compliant, efficacious products and guide scale-up to production while maintaining thorough documentation and staying ahead of industry trends.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with cosmetic formulation and product development in beauty industry.
• Knowledge of cosmetic safety assessment, stability testing, and analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and development of innovative skincare, haircare, and color cosmetic products.
• Conduct research on new ingredients, technologies and formulation trends.
• Develop stable, safe formulations adhering to regulatory standards.
• Perform benchtop formulation work and optimize existing formulas.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and identify solutions.
• Collaborate with marketing to understand product briefs and consumer needs.
• Work with regulatory teams to ensure compliance with local and international cosmetic regulations.
• Support scale-up from lab to pilot and manufacturing.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and formulation documentation.
• Evaluate raw materials and finished products for quality and performance.
• Stay updated on industry innovations and competitive landscape.

Skills

Cosmetic formulation

Cosmetic chemistry

Regulatory awareness

Project management

Testing & stability

Documentation

Team collaboration

Problem solving

LAB techniques

Troubleshooting

Education

Masters or PhD in Chemistry/Cosmetic Science

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

Rheometer

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the beauty and personal care industry, is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Beauty Product Development Chemist to join their research and development team in Johannesburg, Gauteng . This pivotal role involves leading the formulation and development of new cosmetic and skincare products from concept to launch. You will leverage your extensive knowledge of cosmetic chemistry, raw materials, and formulation techniques to create high-quality, safe, and effective products that meet market demands and consumer expectations. This position requires a blend of scientific expertise, creativity, and project management skills. You will work closely with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product development cycles. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing brand in the vibrant Gauteng market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and development of innovative skincare, haircare, and color cosmetic products.
• Conduct extensive research on new ingredients, technologies, and formulation trends.
• Develop stable, safe, and efficacious product formulations adhering to regulatory standards.
• Perform benchtop formulation work, optimize existing formulas, and conduct stability and compatibility testing.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and identify effective solutions.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to understand product briefs and consumer needs.
• Work closely with the regulatory affairs team to ensure compliance with all local and international cosmetic regulations.
• Support the scale-up process from lab bench to pilot and commercial manufacturing.
• Generate and maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and formulation documentation.
• Evaluate raw materials and finished products for quality and performance.
• Stay updated on industry innovations and competitive product landscape.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in cosmetic formulation and product development within the beauty industry.
• Strong understanding of cosmetic raw materials, their properties, and interactions.
• Proven ability to develop a wide range of cosmetic product types (e.g., creams, lotions, serums, emulsions, suspensions).
• Knowledge of cosmetic safety assessment, stability testing, and analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with global cosmetic regulations (e.g., SA cosmetics regulations, FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation).
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficient in laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in the Gauteng region is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development and continuous learning within the beauty sector. You will be part of a creative and collaborative team dedicated to launching exciting new products. Enjoy a dynamic work environment in Johannesburg , with exposure to the fast-paced beauty market. Additional perks include product discounts and the chance to contribute to leading beauty brands.