Associate Cosmetic Chemist

Associate Formulation Scientist or Cosmetic Chemist — Job Description

Location:

100% Onsite (NYC)

Hours:

Full-time (~35 hours/week) or Part-time

Start Date:

Feb 2026

We are seeking a hands-on Formulation or Cosmetic Chemist to lead bench-top formulation and product development for topical products. This role spans early prototype development through scale-up and manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on stability, delivery of active ingredients, and scientific rigor. You will work closely with company leadership and senior scientists to translate scientific insight into robust, manufacturable formulations.

• Executes all hands-on bench-top formulation for new products, from initial prototypes to final revisions.
• Iterates on formulas based on feedback from leadership.
• Reformulates or reverse-engineers existing products for ingredient delivery enhancement, cost-savings, supply chain stability, or to meet new regulatory standards.

• Identifies, sources, and tests novel raw materials and active ingredients to drive product innovation.
• Manages relationships with raw material suppliers to obtain samples, pricing, and technical documentation.
• Maintains stocks and records of raw materials, excipients, etc as needed for formulation.

• Designs and executes all product stability testing (e.g., accelerated stability at various temperatures, cycle testing, light exposure) to ensure product robustness and determine shelf-life.
• Manages and coordinates all required third-party testing, including safety (RIPT, microbial) and claims substantiation.
• Designs and executes all hands-on bench-top formulation for new products, with a focus on stability and delivery of active ingredients.
• Iterates on formulas to optimize for performance, sensory feel, and stability.
• Independently designs and conducts in vitro permeation testing (IVPT), often using Franz diffusion cells, to quantify the delivery of active ingredients through skin models in designed formulations.
• Coordinates and collaborates with the senior science team to design and run analytical methods (e.g., UV spec, HPLC, LCMS, etc) to analyze samples from permeation studies.
• Analyzes and interprets IVPT data to guide formulation optimization and substantiate product claims.

• Develops and finalizes the manufacturing procedures (SOPs) for each formula.
• Acts as the primary technical liaison to the third-party contract manufacturer (CMO) to ensure successful technology transfer and scale-up of the formula from the lab bench (1kg) to the production vat (1000kg+).

• Meticulously documents all formulas, experiments, and results in a lab and digital system.
• Ensures all formulas and ingredients comply with appropriate regulators (e.g., FDA, EU, Health Canada) and client needs.

To apply:

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./RcA

Education:

A minimum of B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Cosmetic Science. Alternatively, M.S. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Dermal Science are acceptable.

Experience:

A minimum of 2 years of direct, hands-on formulation experience in a lab.

Technical Expertise: A proven track record of formulating emulsions (e.g. creams/lotions), gels, and other topical preparations.

Industry Knowledge:
Deep understanding of the cosmetic raw material landscape and strong relationships with key suppliers.

Scale-Up

Experience:

Must have experience with the tech transfer process and successfully launching products with a contract manufacturer.

Regulatory Awareness:
Working knowledge of FDA and global cosmetic regulations.