Cosmetic chemist
Also known as: formulation development chemist, cosmetics formulation development chemist, skin care formulation chemist, cosmetics research chemist, cosmetics development chemist, research chemist
About this occupation
Cosmetic chemists develop formulas in order to create and test new cosmetic products and improve existing cosmetic products such as perfumes and fragrances, lipstick, waterproof lotions and makeup, hair dye, soaps and detergents with special properties, topical medicines or health supplements.
A specialisation of chemist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- good manufacturing practices
- examine production samples
- conform to cosmetics regulatory requirements
- formulate cosmetic products
- troubleshoot cosmetics formula issues
- analytical chemistry
- recommend product improvements
- report analysis results
- scientific research methodology
- adhere to standard procedures
- calibrate laboratory equipment
- laboratory techniques
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Chemists (O*NET 19-2031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
- Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Science, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Active Listening, Writing
US median pay: US$91,240 a year (2025), 82,770 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryExtremely important (4.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.8)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Chemical Engineers
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Microbiologists
- Materials Scientists
- Materials Engineers
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Food Scientists and Technologists
- Industrial Engineers
- Natural Sciences Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.