Senior Formulation Scientist - Cosmetics

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary + bonus

Medical, dental, and vision

Employee discounts

Development opportunities

Creative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Formulation Scientist to lead innovation in our Cosmetics division based in Sandton. You will drive development of high-performance skincare, haircare, and makeup products from concept to market launch, leveraging expertise in cosmetic science and ingredient interactions.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of cosmetic formulation experience, strong knowledge of ingredients and regulatory requirements, and a proven track record in fast-paced R&D environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or master in cosmetic science, chemistry, pharmacy, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in cosmetic formulation development.
• Deep knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and their interactions.
• Experience with skincare, haircare and color cosmetics manufacturing processes.
• Understanding regulatory requirements and safety assessments for cosmetics.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication for the Sandton R&D team.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and stable cosmetic formulations for skincare, haircare, and color cosmetics.
• Evaluate and select raw materials, understanding their properties and compatibility.
• Conduct formulation trials, optimize performance, and ensure efficacy and safety.
• Scale up formulations from benchtop to pilot and manufacturing batches.
• Conduct stability testing, compatibility studies, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product development and launch.

Skills

Cosmetic formulation

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Attention to detail

Education

B.Sc./M.Sc. in Cosmetic Science or related field

Tools

Stability testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Formulation Scientist to lead innovation in their Cosmetics division located in Sandton . This role is central to the development of new, high-performance cosmetic products, from concept to market launch. You will leverage your expertise in cosmetic science, ingredient interactions, and formulation techniques to create cutting-edge skincare, haircare, and makeup products. The ideal candidate is creative, detail-oriented, and possesses a deep understanding of cosmetic raw materials and their functionalities, driving product excellence within a fast-paced R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and stable cosmetic formulations for skincare, haircare, and color cosmetics.
• Evaluate and select raw materials, understanding their properties, sourcing, and compatibility.
• Conduct formulation trials, optimize product performance, and ensure efficacy and safety.
• Scale up formulations from benchtop to pilot and manufacturing batches.
• Conduct stability testing, compatibility studies, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product development and launch.

Requirements

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmacy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in cosmetic formulation development.
• Strong knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, their functions, and interactions.
• Experience with various cosmetic product types and their manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and safety assessments for cosmetic products.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills for the Sandton -based R&D team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Employee discounts on cosmetic products.
• Opportunities for professional development and industry engagement.
• A vibrant and creative work environment dedicated to beauty innovation.