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Being a Cosmetic Chemist or Formulator.
I’m a undergraduate student who’s looking to study cosmetic chemistry around next year and I have a few questions about these careers. If any of you can answer my questions as soon as possible, It’ll be very helpful for me. What are the differences between being a cosmetic chemist and formulator? Would doing a cosmetic chemistry degree help me become a cosmetic formulator? Would I have more creative freedom as a cosmetic chemist or a cosmetic formulator? Also, what are the job and salary prospects for both these careers? Would I be able to earn well? Is it better to be a natural cosmetic formulator or chemist to earn more? It’d be great if y’all could please answer my questions. Thanks a lot in advance and hope you have a great day.
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4 Replies
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Kinda like ‘natural’, the terms you used have been a little vague and misused. To me a cosmetic chemist is someone that works in the arena of cosmetics and HAS A CHEMISTRY degree. A cosmetic formulator is someone with some background and experience formulating in cosmetics but may lack the official chemistry degree. They may have a degree in another field, or lack one altogether, but experience as we all know, is the best teacher.
As far as natural formulator, vs chemist. Absolutely get the chemistry degree. Having a chemistry degree does NOT preclude you from becoming a natural formulator, it simply means you will understand how your natural ingredients will function and interact. Doing things vice versa will ONLY short-change you and your knowledge.
At the beginner level….that is a little like comparing a couple of the common online course offerings. One will give you the background to understand the overall concept, and the other has little regard for how things work, just needs to be natural (safety and the mechanics….who cares). 😮 (Note: I do not condone either one!)
If you live in the USA…I think University of Cincinatti has some very good offerings for those wanting to pursue a career in cosmetic formulation.
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Graillotion said:Kinda like ‘natural’, the terms you used have been a little vague and misused. To me a cosmetic chemist is someone that works in the arena of cosmetics and HAS A CHEMISTRY degree. A cosmetic formulator is someone with some background and experience formulating in cosmetics but may lack the official chemistry degree. They may have a degree in another field, or lack one altogether, but experience as we all know, is the best teacher.
As far as natural formulator, vs chemist. Absolutely get the chemistry degree. Having a chemistry degree does NOT preclude you from becoming a natural formulator, it simply means you will understand how your natural ingredients will function. Doing things vice versa will ONLY short-change you and your knowledge.
At the beginner level….that is a little like comparing a couple of the common online course offerings. One will give you the background of understand the overall concept, and the other has little regard for how things work. (Note: I do not condone either one!)
Thanks a lot for your insights and opinion on these questions. It really does clear things up and is helping me in making my decision as to what I want to do. And, apologies for using such vague terms. Also, I’d like to ask if you know anything about the salary prospects of a cosmetic chemist. Do cosmetic chemists (the ones with a degree in cosmetic chemistry) usually earn well?
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Chemistry degrees come in different forms….4 year…6 year…and PhD…
Depends on the company you end up with.
You could work for yourself….and make NOTHING….or…. make $$$ beyond your wildest dreams.
If you want to be happy in life… Chase your passions….not the $$$.
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Graillotion said:Chemistry degrees come in different forms….4 year…6 year…and PhD…
Depends on the company you end up with.
You could work for yourself….and make NOTHING….or…. make $$$ beyond your wildest dreams.
If you want to be happy in life… Chase your passions….not the $$$.
Right. Thanks for explaining that to me. I do want to follow my passion if I’m being honest. But I do need to earn a living too right? And that is why I’m worried about the money. I’d also like to mention that I want to do a 2 years masters course in Cosmetic Chemistry (specializing in biocosmetics). Do you have any idea for the job and salary prospects for that course? Apologies for so many questions.