Here is a list of links that any cosmetic chemist will find helpful.

Organizations

Research

Trade Journals

Jobs

There are some different job search engines.

Cosmetic chemist jobs at Indeed.com

128 comments

  1. sarah

    I might be late to the party, but I was wondering if anyone could direct me to somewhere I can learn to start up with a chemist/manufacturer when I have basically no money. I have some ideas of what I want to do but really I don’t know where to start.

  2. Khelifa

    Hi, I’m looking where and how I would find someone to creat men hair gel and wax formulas. Thank you

  3. Winston

    I am a cosmetics industry consultant. I can help individuals or companies to start a cosmetic or skin care line. I provide full range of services to source from product development, manufacturing to packaging.
    Feel free to contact me at wbaijnath1968@gmail.com

  4. Asia Green

    Hello I am launching my line of hair care products in July of this year. I am in dire need of a cosmetic chemist to formulate products such as shampoos, conditioners, gels, and hair sprays. I am only interested in natural/organic preservatives and non noxious chemicals for shampoo and conditioning mixtures.

    2. Linda Gearke

      Hello Asia,

      I am a hair care and skin care industry product development consultant. Let’s chat about how I can assist you. You can reach me at linda@personalcaremarketing.com

  5. Megan

    are there any colleges that you recommend to go to for this field? In an doing a project and i am interested.

  6. Jasmine

    I am looking for someone to help me formulate a few skin care products for my business — beard oils, beard balms, cleansers, toners and moisturizers.

    2. Dr Catherine Pratt

      Hi Jasmine,
      I can help you formulate with all your ideas! Its an exciting step to take!
      Since I have had my own cosmetic business I can help you not make the same mistakes I did. I can take you from idea/conception right through to running a small MOQ. I charge a fraction of the price to what the manufacturers cost. I can do microbial, stability testing etc.
      If you think your would like to work with me. Please email me on drclambert@hotmail.com
      Look forward to your reply
      Dr Catherine Pratt

    3. Tara

      Hi,

      I already have a formulation created and tested for anti-aging moisturizer, eye cream, cleanser with or without beads. I am selling this formulation should this interested you. Contact Tara: tdeorajs@outlook.com

  7. Ira Wong

    Hi! I am a Malaysian 3rd year Diploma student majoring in Pharmacy graduating in July 2018. I am interested to become a cosmetic formulator. Which bachelor degree should I be taking and what requirements do I need?

    1. Perry Romanowski

      The best bachelor degree to get is either Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.

  8. Allison Krongard

    My company is looking for a chemist who can develop an organic, completely metal free, food grade lipstick formulation for us. Our formula must contain zero metals or toxins in the base or pigments. Where can we find such a person? Thanks

    2. PASCA

      Hi. I can help you 🙂

      1. Ada

        Hi Pasca, are you still available? I’m interested in something similar and along those lines.

  9. ashi halani

    hello perry,
    i am a chemical engineering student and i am interested in manufacture of cosmetics using organic substances..can i take it up as my final year project?…if yes, can u let me know some specific topics for the same

  10. Melissa

    Hello Perry,

    I am currently studying to go into medicine (pre-med) but have been thinking about changing programs. I am much more interested in the cosmetics industry from a science perspective. I’d like to be able to create unique formulas for different products that I know will do well in the cosmetics industry and with that, start a company/brand.

    I’m passionate about cosmetics (I know just about every major makeup brand and all their latests releases) and know that I have a lot to offer in the cosmetics industry but I’m not sure where to start. I went to my school’s orientation services and they don’t know what programs would best be suited for me. I suggested majoring in bio-chemistry and minoring in marketing but they aren’t sure about this. They also don’t want me to change into a program that won’t help me get into the field I want. Where do I go about beginning my education for this field?

    If I could be able to speak with you over a phone call or email I would be ever so grateful as I’m feeling lost and unsure where to start.

    Thanks,

    Melissa

  11. Emily

    Hello Perry!
    If I’m interested in a cosmetic skincare product whereby the company’s website indicates specific claims of their product via clinical trials, research, etc — is the public able to access this information? If so, how? I’m a consumer but I also work in the academic and health science industry.

    1. Perry Romanowski

      The company is not required to make the data public. If you ask them they may give it to you, but they are not required to.

  12. mokhtar sahraqui

    Mokhtar
    hello perry ,will please let me know where i can found the cosmetic companies to partner with them with my anti acne cream
    thank you.

  13. Michael Clingerman

    Hey Perry, Thank you for hosting this site! Your work is greatly appreciated! Question: I’m not a scientist by trade, I’m a product, branding, and marketing guy. I was thinking about buying your Natural Cosmetic Formulating course… Can you non scientist handle what’s required? Will this course offer places online that I can buy wholesale as well? So many questions… Thanks again!

    1. Perry Romanowski

      Hello Michael,

      We have lots of non-chemists who have taken the course so you should be able to handle it. Yes, we will answer questions about wholesale resources.

  14. Oomar

    Hello Perry
    I make handmade solid soaps using different oils and butters using sodium hydroxide as saponification agent. I get a ph of 8-9 most of the time. I want to bring the ph of the soap to about 5.5-6 without affecting the hardness of the soap. Do you have a suggestion ? By the way, would citric acid help if added after saponification ?

    2. lewis sawabini

      hey guy just leave that way , if y getting soap just sty doing alkaline it is better than acidic forte skin, I am pharmacist send few kammaochies will send suggestions my forefaters made soap for generations in the middle east they made the the camel soap check that one out

  15. Collins

    Good evening,
    Please I’d like to know if sodium chloride reduces foaming in liquid soap when used to curdle the soap. If yes, how do I prevent this effect? I noticed that despite using 25% surfactant for my batch, I still can’t get the desired foaming and I don’t know if it’s because of the Nacl.

    2. Dan McFarland

      If you are using store-bought oils keep in mind most have anti-foaming agents added for a safety factor to avoid spill overs and grease fires. This is most likely the cause.

  16. Linda Gearke

    I am a personal care product development consultant with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry (Aveda, Regis, Mary Kay Cosmetics). I can assist you with any and all aspects of bringing your skin care, hair care, body care, color cosmetic or virtually any personal care product to market. I have owned my highly successful consulting business for 14 years. Please feel free to contact me at linda@personalcaremarketing.com to discuss your needs and how I can assist you.

    Linda Gearke
    Strictly Personal – The Personal Care Marketing Experts

  17. Kari

    I am a hair stylist. I am researching different ingredients in shampoos for my own professional knowledge. There is the big debate on sulfates in shampoos. I have a lot of questions but I will try to just ask a few.
    Is there a sulfate or group of sulfates that are very gentle, cause very little to no irritation?
    How much of a sulfate should be in shampoo? When looking at ingredients on a bottle, depending on the brand I will see a sulfate name 2nd or 3rd in line on one brand and a sulfate name more towards the middle to end on another. Why do some companies use more of a sulfate than others?
    Is sulfate free really better or should we be looking at the quality, quantity of the sulfate and pH of products instead?
    Thank you for any and all information!

  18. Sherri Reid

    Question: I am looking to formulate a skin care product for dry/rough parts of the body, using 2% concentration (or slightly less) of salicylic acid as an ingredient. There will be no claims made of acne or exfoliation just one of keeping skin soft and supple. With this said, will this product be classified as an OTC or as a cosmetic? Do I need to get any kind of approvals from the FDA? Also, I am looking for a formulator and possibly a manufacturer, if you have any suggestions. Thank you, SAB PS. I am located in the Washington, DC area.

    1. Perry Romanowski

      I’d suggest you post your question in our forum. http://chemistscorner.com/cosmeticsciencetalk Whether something is an OTC if you use an ingredient that high depends on your claims but it may also depend on the results of your safety testing.

    2. Linda Gearke

      Sherri, it sounds like you’re staying well within cosmetic guidelines. If you’d like to discuss this further, email me at linda@personalcaremarketing.com
      I can also guide you with formulation and manufacturing processes. I’ve been working in this space for 20 years.

    3. Linda Gearke

      Hi Sherri, I can assist you if you still need some guidance.
      You can reach me at linda@personalcaremarketing.com
      Linda Gearke, Product Development and Marketing Consultant

  19. Jasmin

    Hello, do you have any companies that you could suggest that would hire a graduate right from undergrad. The only lab experience I have is what I have done in school. I am currently looking for lab technician/assistant positions and everyone I have come across are expecting 2-3 years of experience. I feel as though my degree should satisfy those years however I am steady being told I do not meet the requirements.

    My ultimate goal is to be a cosmetic chemist but I know at first I need some years of experience in the industry.

  20. Simone riviere

    Do i need to patent for when creating my makeup company

  21. lara

    Hi Perry,

    I’m working on an acne treatment for the body, I have it pretty down but would like a little help finishing it up and get it tested. Do you have any suggestions for companies in the Bay Area California who work with small start-ups who would also co-pack for me?

    Thank you, Lara.

    1. Perry Romanowski

      I would contact someone at the California SCC. They may have a listing for a contract manufacturer who could work with you.

  22. Marian

    Dear Sir
    I’m Marian from Egypt
    I’m working at R&D dept. for 4 years now with R&D and QC title at personal care company
    I’m looking for 2 things:
    1- A job vacancy, where I can help with my experience and also gain more experience
    2- An online certificate at cosmetics field where I can support my experience with more studies and my studies with much experience

  23. zeinab

    I live in egypt
    my english is not good
    but I have medical back ground in english
    I have degree in pharmacy
    I try have business in natural cosmetic
    can I get course
    thanks

    2. lewis sawabini

      where are what part of the country are you in india , why do nit you check y department of health or or ask the natural dealers in your town there is all course can be give as pharmacist I teach all these fcats of natura medicine of course some money for knowledge

  24. Ahmad Bakhsh

    Dear sir,
    the video of the final lesson does not play. please send the link again.
    named : FINAL VIDEO: CREATING A FORMULA FROM AN LOI
    thanks,
    awaiting
    plz

  25. Pingback:Useful resources, or – where do I find information on ingredients? | Lucy's choice

  26. kinsey

    I would like to know if you recommend any online classes for cosmetic chemistry.

  27. Aimee

    Im looking for used or new eyeshadow powder press machines I have to press over 100,000 eyeshadows quickly and by hand is not working.

    Thank You,

    Aimee

  28. Candace

    Hello,

    I’m looking to become a chemist in this field, but in need to ask this question. Is there a difference between being a personal care chemist and a being a cosmetic chemist?

    Thank you.

    1. Perry Romanowski

      Hello Candace – No, a cosmetic chemist and personal care chemist are the same.

  29. alya

    hello
    I really love makeup and i want to start my own luxury makeup line, i have a few questions

    – where can i find a cosmetic lab in the UK ? and what are the top labs in the UK ?
    – okay so the packaging of the product is done by the makeup manufacture or another manufacture?

    2. Anna

      Hi Alya
      We are the leading manufacturer of cosmetic packaging in china like, lip gloss tube, lipstick tube, eyeliner tube, mascara tube, compact case, eye shadow palette and other container. We has done business with some famous cosmetic brands now, pls feel free to add me in whatsapp +86 139 2807 3434 if you need our high quality container, thanks.

    3. Dr Catherine Pratt

      Hi Alya,
      No you don’t need a manufacturer until you have a finished product signed sealed and delivered!
      This is where the cosmetic chemist comes in. Manufacturers can formulate for you as well but they would charge you upward of $10,000 per formula. I charge only a fraction of that and I can take you from the very beginning to the end when you want to hand it over to the manufacturer. I am in Australia but I have clients in the US like Oregon, nevada and New york. Think about it we do everything by online now and when you need tests or samples I can send them over or vice versa. Threre really has not been any issues with the distance!
      If you would like to have a chat please email me on catherine@drprattscosmeticformulating.com Love to have a chat about make-up cheers Catherine

  30. Jim Lowery

    Perry – hey where can I find a link to your online “becoming a cosmetic chemist” series…I thought it was $495 to get an overview of cosmetic chemistry…something like that. I have some new lab chemists and I want them to better understand the chemistry

  31. Mike Thair

    Can someone recommend a Safety Assessor in the UK?

    Thanks.

    1. Perry Romanowski

      I’d suggest you post this request in our forum.

    2. hae rim lee

      I work quite closely with a number of leading safety Assessors in the Cosmetics and Personal Care space- I’d be happy to share their contact details with you- feel free to drop me a quick line via email and I will connect you with my contacts there.

  32. Ang

    Hi Perry,
    I am just beginning to attempt to formulate. I am trying to create liquid matte lip color like Limecrime and am having struggles finding the chemicals and the recipe. Any suggestions?

    1. Dr Catherine Pratt

      Hi there Ang, my name is Catherine and I am really interested in make-up at the moment being a makeup tragic myself Haha! I specialise in natural and organic . If you would like to have a chat please email me on catherine@drprattscosmeticsformulating.com Love to hear from you and your new ideas! Cheers Catherine

  33. zulema orozco

    Hello! My husband has a small cosmetic manufacturing business, and is having trouble finding new clients. He can make and fill just about anything. Any advice?

    2. palanquin

      zulema orozco contact me ASAP if you get this. Thanks

    3. Brittney Morris

      please email me more about your husbands work! I am in search of someone good! Thank you!

      1. mariam

        I’m trying to make my own lotion lin, how, and where to I go about working with the chemist to test out my product or working with one in making it?

    4. Martha

      Where is he located?

    6. KD

      HI Zulema,
      Can you please ask your husband to get in touch with me ASAP with regards to cosmetics filling. My contact is botdameon@gmail.com
      Cheers

    8. myra

      Hi Zulema, Where is your husbands business located?

    9. Veronica

      Zulema:
      Where is your husband based? I am looking for a manufacturer for my natural skincare line. Can he blend and fill powder exfoliant? I am in CA.

  34. Michelle

    I’m looking for a real Exfoliator besides a scrub. I tried Frutique and I like it but I’m not sure if it’s just the chemical balling up or real skin. Please assist. If Frutique isn’t good, would you have a recommendation that takes off the top layer of dead skin without having a scrub or chemical peel? Thanks !

    1. Jinesh

      I am making face and body scrub using beach sand that I sterlise by heating and thereafter introduce in my wash gel/cream. It works well no reactions or allergies yet. I have given out over 1000 samples and everyone simply loves it You should try it

  35. kim

    Hi Perry:

    as for now I’m trying to create my own silk based sheet mask. and i have a manufacturer that i’m working with but i want to sell my product in US. can you please let me know what is the requirement i need order for me to sell the sheet mask legally? e.g if i need to get FDA prove in US as well as in china? etc.

    1. Perry Romanowski

      No you don’t need FDA approval to sell a cosmetic. But you do need to be able to prove that the product is safe.

  36. Liz

    Hi, Perry.

    I am very interested in taking this course, however I have no background. I have considered going to school to study chemistry, but my goal is to start my own makeup line. What steps would you recommend I take?

    1. Perry Romanowski

      You can still take the course. We provide some introduction lessons.

  37. Emily

    Hi there,
    I am about to finish up a M.S. in Geology, with a focus on Geochemistry. I’m very familiar with mapping and exploration for natural resources (of varied types), mineralogy, etc. I am wondering how valued a geochemist would be in this industry? I have worked all over the world in all types of rock units–many of which I know are heavily used in the cosmetics industry, and I’m hoping that having a background in chemistry would also be an attractive quality. In my field, however, I have never heard of anyone going into the cosmetics industry, which is odd to me since I feel like I could be an asset given the fact that I know the physical properties of the main mineral ingredients and also the chemistry to formulate new products with them. If you have any tips for me going forward, I would really appreciate it!

    1. Perry Romanowski

      See our posts about cosmetic career. And consider attending an SCC meeting.

  38. pre

    Hello Perry,

    I do get your emails periodically. They are very informative. Thank you for that.
    where can i learn to do cosmetic formulations. I do not have any experience in cosmetic formulations. Thanks.

    Regards,
    Pre

  39. Erica

    This site has replaced every cosmetic related bookmark I have! I love you, love the site and love the knowledge I have gotten here. Just wanted to say thank you!!

    1. Perry Romanowski

      Thanks for the kind words!

  40. Des

    I want to make my own cosmetics incorporating natural ingredients. Which course would you recommend. I do not have chemistry background but did mange to do well in a BSc in Pharmacology. I am also a nurse for over twenty years.

    1. Perry Romanowski

      Our new program could help you get started.

      1. Marycolette

        Dear Perry, I wrote you on your email. I just want to know if I still stand a chance to apply for the course , I would love to register should I still go on. Can I call you on the phone just to be sure this is not all scam, is it possibble? Thank you

        1. Marycolette

          Dear Perry, Thank you so much I will register by evening today. I just have a few questions. Will I get a certificate after the course is completed? Will be able to formulate body and hair care products after taking the course? How long will the course last, will I be able to finish before December? After I finish can I work in a cosmetics company since I have a Masters degree in Industrial Microbiology?
          God bless you. I love love love how easy you make things appear, its very encouraging and above all, you are about to make my dream come true. God bless you. That’s all I can say!

  41. chau chau

    I want to have a formula of making aloe vera gel for sunburn. Will someone show me or where can I learn or buy a formula?

    2. Martha

      I can help you out.

      Martha G

  42. Adriana

    Hi Perry, can you please tell based on your experience working with green plant actives in a natural skincare, preventing them from going brown in couple of days. is it a question of pH adjustment or rather a suitable antioxidant protection?

    1. Perry Romanowski

      That really depends on what it is. It could be either. Also your level could be too high. Or worse, you could have microbial contamination. I would suggest you post the question in our cosmetic science forum. (http://chemistscorner.com/cosmeticsciencetalk)

  43. Tayna

    HelloPerry,
    I hear there is a fair/exhibition done yearly where there are formulation seller companies exhibit to meet potential companies looking to buy or develop formula for specific purposes.

    Please do you know this fair and/or its website?

    thanks

    1. Perry Romanowski

      I’m not really sure which you are talking about. Do you know where it was located?

  44. Victoria

    Hi, I just so happen to stumble upon your website in a Google search, and I thank you all for all of the information that you have here. I just recently learned that there is a degree in cosmetic science. I was looking at cosmetic formulation books on Amazon and saw a listing of schools in your book (using the ‘Look Inside’ function). I plan on purchasing the book this week. I’ve also talked with UC about their MS in Cosmetic Sciences. My undergrad is not in a science field (Bus. Admin.), but cosmetic formulation is my ultimate interest. I am wondering, with no technical experience in this field, will that degree help me to break into the industry? Do you have any suggestions as far as what I can do now to get a foot in the door. Is it possible to work in the industry at an entry level position and learn more while I work? Would you maybe recommend taking the Cosmetic and Toiletries courses? How are these courses viewed in the industry? I do apologize about all the questions, I am just new to this and still in the discovery stage. Thank you in advance for your help and information.

    1. Perry Romanowski

      I would recommend you take the C&T course to get started. It does not require an extensive science background. The MS degree would help you get in the cosmetic industry and the C&T course will make that degree easier to get.
      Good luck!

  45. Rickeisha

    I’m currently studying Biomedical Engineering…I plan to graduate 2015, 2016 the latest. My goal is to work for in the cosmetic industry to get my feet wet, but my dream is to design my own cosmetic line.

    Can I get in the cosmetic industry with my current major? If not, what should I minor in, or should I get a master’s degree in biology and take a cosmetic science program?

    What school offers cosmetic programs in California?

    Thank you so much! I love your website and I’m hoping to take your $500 Cosmetic Course as soon as I save my money! “)

    1. Perry Romanowski

      Yes, you can get into the industry with that degree. I’m unfamiliar with any cosmetic courses in California but see our career section for more information. I look forward to working with you.

  46. sal

    You do not need a degree to be a “cosmetic chemist”. It is not real chemistry and the is no synthesis.

    1. Perry Romanowski

      You’ll need a degree if you want to get hired by a company as a cosmetic chemist.

    2. Duncan

      A chemistry degree is not essential to start formulating, however, if things are not going according to plan, you will find that a thorough grounding in chemistry (preferably to degree level) will become very useful, very quickly to understand the interactions between materials.

      I’ve done both synthetic chemistry for pharmaceuticals and cosmetic formulation. Cosmetics involves many more variables and problem solving

  47. mary

    I am starting my own lipstick line, I can’t seem to perfect my formula. Im only making 12 lipsticks per batch. my issue is that the bottom of the lipstick has more color and moisture at the top. How important is a grinder? please help me. Im using a powder that isn’t thin enough . Please help me

    1. Perry Romanowski

      Please post your question to the cosmetic science forum.

  48. stephen

    hi there, I have worked for some major cosmetic companies over the last few years and have built a collection of formulations, do you have any idea where I should start to sell them?
    thanks

    1. Perry Romanowski

      You would need to start a consulting business or start selling them through the Internet. You might consider advertising on our Cosmetic Science forum or this website.

  49. Winitha

    Hello madam/sir,

    I am Winitha from india, I recently finished masters in organic chemistry in the osmania university. please anybody help me out, how can i get job in the USA?

    Thanking you,
    winitha

    1. Perry Romanowski

      See our section on Career advice for more helpful information.

      1. Wen

        Hi, I’m doing a PhD in biochemistry right now. I would like to become a cosmetic scientist in the future. Can anyone give me some advice? Also does anyone know if this field has many jobs in Canada?

        Thanks

        1. Perry Romanowski

          Please see the information on our Career page.

    2. Trisha

      We need more instghis like this in this thread.

  50. Emory Hilton

    I am looking for a resource chemist
    To evaluate an existing antimicrobial lotion product
    Need assistance with formulating optional
    Scented lotion base as well as
    Packaging resource assistance.

    Located in Oklahoma
    Thank u
    Emory Hilton
    Silvaguardlotion.com (reference on existing product)

      1. Kourtney

        Walking in the prcnesee of giants here. Cool thinking all around!

    2. Dr Catherine Pratt

      Hi Emory,
      I can help you with every point you wrote down and many more. My name is Catherine and I have owned my own business so I know all the mistakes and pitfalls ahead of you Ouch! I can help you with your formulas, methodologies, packaging, label compliance, etc and I have just started teaching perfumery so that your fragrances are balanced before you throw it in to the product. A bit of fun at no charge. Love to have a chat on catherine@drprattscosmeticformulating.com Cheers Catherine

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