1. Cosmetic Formulation & R&D
Develop new cosmetic formulations based on product briefs and client requirements.
Formulate products including:
Body lotions and creams
Body butters
Body scrubs
Shower gels and body washes
Facial skincare
Serums
Hair shampoos and conditioners
Hair masks and treatments
Scalp products
Body oils
Mists and sprays
Cleansing products
Other personal-care products
Reformulate and improve existing products for better texture, stability, performance, sensory feel, or cost.
Select suitable raw materials, active ingredients, emulsifiers, surfactants, preservatives, thickeners, oils, butters, fragrances, and functional ingredients.
Prepare laboratory samples and prototypes.
Conduct formulation trials and maintain accurate development records.
Calculate formulas in percentages and convert formulas into different batch sizes.
Develop manufacturing procedures and batch instructions.
Evaluate ingredient compatibility and packaging compatibility.
Troubleshoot formulation problems such as separation, settling, viscosity changes, discoloration, odor changes, crystallization, or instability.
Support scale-up from laboratory batches to pilot and commercial production.
Research new cosmetic ingredients, technologies, textures, and product concepts.
2. Quality Control
Inspect and approve incoming cosmetic raw materials.
Verify raw-material specifications, COAs, expiry dates, batch numbers, and storage conditions.
Perform quality checks on bulk products during manufacturing.
Conduct finished-product QC before product release.
Monitor:
Compare finished batches against approved reference standards.
Record and investigate out-of-specification results.
Identify manufacturing deviations and recommend corrective actions.
Approve or reject batches according to internal quality specifications.
Maintain retention samples from manufactured batches.
Monitor raw material and finished-product expiry dates.
3. Stability & Compatibility Testing
Prepare and manage product stability testing programs.
Conduct accelerated and real-time stability testing.
Monitor products under different conditions including:
Record changes in pH, viscosity, colour, odour, appearance, texture and packaging.
Conduct packaging compatibility assessments.
Prepare stability reports and recommendations.
Determine whether formulations require modification before commercial production.
4. Production & Manufacturing Support
Supervise or support the preparation of pilot and production batches.
Ensure manufacturing follows the approved Master Formula and Batch Manufacturing Record.
Verify weighing and dispensing of raw materials.
Confirm correct mixing temperatures, speeds, order of addition and processing times.
Assist production staff with technical formulation issues.
Investigate batch failures and production inconsistencies.
Support scale-up calculations and production optimization.
Help establish standard manufacturing procedures for each product.
5. Quality & GMP Documentation
Prepare and maintain technical documentation including:
Master Formulas
Batch Manufacturing Records
Product Specifications
Raw Material Specifications
Finished Product Specifications
Stability Testing Records
QC Testing Records
R&D Development Records
Deviation Reports
Corrective and Preventive Action records (CAPA)
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Ensure documentation follows cosmetic GMP requirements.
Maintain proper traceability of ingredients, batches, samples and finished products.
Support internal and external GMP inspections and audits.
6. Raw Material & Supplier Evaluation
Evaluate samples from new raw-material suppliers.
Review Technical Data Sheets, Safety Data Sheets and Certificates of Analysis.
Compare alternative raw materials based on performance, quality and cost.
Assist purchasing with technical specifications for cosmetic ingredients.
Recommend suitable substitutes when ingredients are unavailable.
Maintain an approved raw-material list.
7. Product Safety & Compliance Support
Review cosmetic ingredient usage levels and restrictions.
Ensure formulations are developed according to applicable cosmetic regulations and recognized industry standards.
Prepare INCI ingredient lists.
Support preparation of product technical files.
Assist with product registration documentation where required.
Maintain accurate records for each formulation and manufactured product.
Desired Candidate Profile
Candidate Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry or a related scientific field.
Previous experience in cosmetic formulation, R&D, QC or cosmetic manufacturing preferred.
Strong understanding of:
Experience using laboratory equipment such as pH meters, viscometers, laboratory mixers, homogenizers and precision balances.
Good understanding of cosmetic GMP and quality-control procedures.
Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
Ability to troubleshoot formulations independently.
Strong attention to detail.
Comfortable working in both the laboratory and production environment.
Good English communication skills; Arabic is an advantage.
Preferred Experience
Experience developing or manufacturing skincare, body care and hair care products is highly preferred.
Experience with private-label or contract cosmetics manufacturing is an advantage.
Position
Cosmetic Chemist – R&D, Formulation & Quality Control