Senior Skincare Formulation Chemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work setup support

Flexible working hours

Performance-based bonuses

Work with a leading brand

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Skincare Formulation Chemist for a remote-first role in the beauty and wellness sector. You will lead development from concept to market, leveraging cosmetic science, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration with marketing, product development, and QA.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in a related field and 7+ years of skincare formulation experience, with strong analytical skills and independent work capability in a distributed team

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in cosmetic formulation, with a strong focus on skincare.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing new skincare products from concept to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize skincare formulations (creams, lotions, serums, masks, cleansers).
• Conduct stability testing and compatibility studies to ensure product integrity.
• Research new raw materials, technologies, and market trends for product development.
• Collaborate with sourcing to identify suppliers for raw materials.
• Prepare and review technical documentation and specifications.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and provide technical support to QA and manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with global cosmetic regulations and safety standards.
• Communicate project updates and findings to stakeholders via meetings and reports.

Skills

Cosmetic formulation

Analytical skills

Remote collaboration

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the beauty and wellness sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Skincare Formulation Chemist to join their dynamic, remote-first team. This role is pivotal in driving the development of cutting-edge skincare products, from concept to market. You will leverage your deep understanding of cosmetic science, ingredient interactions, and regulatory compliance to create high-performance formulations that meet consumer needs and our client's rigorous quality standards. As a key member of our virtual R&D department, you will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including marketing, product development, and quality assurance, all while working from the comfort of your home office. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about skincare innovation, possesses a strong analytical mindset, and thrives in a collaborative, distributed work environment. Your expertise will directly contribute to shaping the future of our client's skincare portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize novel skincare formulations (creams, lotions, serums, masks, cleansers) incorporating active ingredients and novel delivery systems.
• Conduct comprehensive stability testing, compatibility studies, and efficacy assessments to ensure product integrity and performance.
• Research and evaluate new raw materials, innovative technologies, and market trends to identify opportunities for product development.
• Collaborate with the sourcing team to identify and qualify suppliers for raw materials, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Prepare and review technical documentation, including formulation reports, manufacturing procedures, and ingredient specifications.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and provide technical support to manufacturing and quality control teams.
• Ensure all formulations comply with relevant industry regulations and safety standards in target markets, including those for Johannesburg .
• Effectively communicate project updates, findings, and recommendations to stakeholders through virtual meetings and detailed reports.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in cosmetic formulation, with a strong focus on skincare products.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing new skincare products from concept to commercialization.
• In-depth knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, their functions, and potential interactions.
• Familiarity with various analytical techniques and laboratory equipment used in formulation development and testing.
• Excellent understanding of cosmetic product stability, preservation, and regulatory requirements globally.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, vital for a remote role.
• Proficiency in using virtual collaboration tools and standard office software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, relevant to the Johannesburg market context.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive remote work setup support.
• Opportunity to work with a leading brand in the beauty industry.
• Contribution to innovative product development that impacts consumers globally.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate a healthy work-life balance in your Johannesburg home office.
• Performance-based bonuses and potential for career advancement within our client's organization.