Senior Cosmetic Chemist & Product Development Specialist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Cosmetic Chemist & Product Development Specialist for a remote-first role. You will lead formulation and development of cosmetics from concept to production, overseeing stability, safety, and regulatory compliance across skincare, haircare, and color cosmetics.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in cosmetic formulation, advanced degrees, and a track record of cross-functional collaboration with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing to bring innovative beauty

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field.
• 7+ years in cosmetic formulation and product development.
• Experience across skincare, haircare, and color cosmetics.
• Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with formulation software and lab equipment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and ability to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation and development of new cosmetic and personal care products.
• Research new ingredients, technologies, and trends.
• Develop stable, safe, efficacious formulations.
• Oversee product testing: stability, compatibility, efficacy.
• Troubleshoot issues and optimize products for cost.
• Ensure compliance with international cosmetic regulations.
• Prepare technical docs: formulation reports, procedures.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing.

Skills

Cosmetic Formulation

Product Development

Regulatory Compliance

Stability Testing

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Communication

Education

Masters or PhD in Chemistry / Cosmetic Science

Tools

Formulation Software

Laboratory Equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking beauty and personal care company, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Cosmetic Chemist & Product Development Specialist. This is a remote-first position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to groundbreaking product innovation. You will lead the formulation and development of novel cosmetic products, from concept ideation through to final production. This role requires a deep understanding of cosmetic science, ingredient interactions, formulation stability, and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate closely with marketing, R&D, and manufacturing teams to bring high-quality, effective, and safe beauty products to market. The ideal candidate is a creative problem-solver with a passion for beauty innovation and a proven track record in cosmetic formulation. This role is critical in shaping the future product pipeline for our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and development of new cosmetic and personal care products, including skincare, haircare, and color cosmetics.
• Conduct extensive research on new ingredients, technologies, and market trends to identify product opportunities.
• Develop stable, safe, and efficacious product formulations that meet product briefs and performance targets.
• Oversee and conduct product testing, including stability, compatibility, and efficacy studies.
• Troubleshoot formulation issues and optimize existing products for improved performance or cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure all formulations comply with relevant international regulatory standards and guidelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing.
• Prepare technical documentation, including formulation reports, manufacturing procedures, and ingredient specifications.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements and innovative raw materials within the cosmetic industry.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in cosmetic formulation and product development within the beauty industry.
• Proven expertise in formulating a wide range of cosmetic product categories.
• Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with formulation software and laboratory equipment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in English; familiarity with global cosmetic regulations is essential.

Benefits

This remote-first position offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure commensurate with experience. Our client provides a dynamic and innovative work environment, with opportunities for significant professional growth and impact. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, and a company culture that values creativity and scientific excellence. You will have the autonomy to shape product development from your preferred location, contributing to a globally recognized beauty brand.