Lead Formulation Chemist - Skincare & Regenerative Product Development

Lead Formulation Chemist - Skincare & Regenerative Product Development

Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite)

Company: Cellese Inc.

Reports to: Lead Scientist

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Cellese Inc. is a leader in regenerative science and advanced skincare, developing cutting-edge advanced skincare that merge biotechnology with luxury formulation. Our R&D team is pioneering next-generation skincare that leverages exosome, growth factor, and nanoparticle delivery systems to redefine regenerative aesthetics. Join a high-impact, science-driven organization where innovation directly translates into clinically proven and commercially successful products.

We are seeking a Lead Formulation Chemist to oversee in-house formulation & mixing, while establishing in house stability programs - driving innovation in new skincare product development. This hands-on role will serve as the technical expert in formulation science, responsible for developing, optimizing, and scaling advanced topical formulations spanning serums, emulsions, gels, and masks.

The successful candidate will balance creativity with scientific precision—developing novel formulations while also professionalizing Cellese’s current in-house processes to ensure consistent quality, scalability, and regulatory readiness.

• Develop and optimize formulations for homecare and professional skincare products, including serums, creams, masks, and post-procedure treatments.
• Manage in-house mixing operations and establish standardized batch preparation, documentation, and quality procedures.
• Design and execute stability programs to evaluate and enhance product shelf life and performance.
• Collaborate closely with third party-analytical, in-house biology, and manufacturing teams to ensure formulation robustness, compatibility, and efficacy.
• Support transfer of formulations to production scale and assist in troubleshooting manufacturing or mixing issues.
• Partner with marketing and regulatory teams to align technical formulation details with product claims, compliance, and labeling.
• Conduct raw material selection, qualification, and vendor evaluation.
• Maintain detailed formulation records, batch sheets, and technical documentation for regulatory and production use.
• Lead technical problem-solving initiatives to improve product stability, texture, and sensorial characteristics.
• Contribute to the development of new R&D protocols, equipment optimization, and future team infrastructure.

• B.S., M.S., or equivalent experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in cosmetic or skincare formulation.
• Proven ability to independently design, mix, and troubleshoot formulations from concept to scale-up.
• Deep technical understanding of emulsions, gels, serums, preservatives, surfactants, and active delivery systems.
• Experience running and interpreting stability, viscosity, and compatibility studies.
• Strong documentation skills with familiarity in writing and maintaining SOPs, batch records, and development reports.
• Excellent cross-functional communication and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Background in regenerative or active skincare ingredients (e.g., peptides, conditioned media, growth factors, hyaluronic acid, PDRN).
• Understanding of formulation scale-up, GMP principles, and regulatory expectations for skincare manufacturing.
• Familiarity with statistical design tools (DoE) and sensory optimization approaches.
• Fully equipped formulation and mixing lab located in Irvine, CA.
• Collaborative, small-team setting emphasizing technical rigor, innovation, and execution.
• Standard lab physical requirements (standing, pipetting, lifting up to 25 lbs, etc.).

$100,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm (onsite)

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

401(k) with company match

Quarterly team events, catered lunches, casual culture, and complimentary company skincare products.

At Cellese, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the next generation of scientifically advanced skincare. This is a rare opportunity to lead hands-on formulation innovation within a company at the forefront of regenerative aesthetics—where your expertise will directly translate into products used by leading dermatologists and aesthetic professionals worldwide.