Senior R&D Scientist – Cosmetic Formulation

About the role

The Senior R&D Scientist will lead the development, optimisation and enhancement of cosmetic product formulations, ensuring they meet international standards, cost targets and consumer expectations. The role combines technical leadership, mentorship and data‑driven insight to support strategic objectives across the R&D department.

Key responsibilities

• Design and develop new formulas and improve existing ones while meeting cost‑reduction goals and international regulations.
• Leverage data‑driven and AI‑powered methods to maximise stability, sensory quality and economic efficiency.
• Benchmark formulations against leading international references to ensure competitive performance.
• Translate research insights into lab‑tested prototypes ready for scale‑up.
• Update regulatory files, ensure compliance with EU and country‑specific requirements, and communicate changes to relevant teams.
• Support the R&D Manager in implementing cost‑saving initiatives across the portfolio.
• Validate first production batches, assist production with formulation issues and update batch instructions.
• Provide technical information and artwork approvals to Marketing, Product Development and Production teams.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science or a related field.
• Several years of experience in cosmetic formulation and product development.
• Proven ability to lead projects, mentor junior scientists and drive cost‑optimization.
• Strong awareness of current market trends, competitor launches and regulatory changes.

Required skills

• Formulation development and optimisation
• Stability and sensory testing
• Regulatory compliance (EU and country‑specific)
• Cost‑optimization and cost‑reduction analysis
• Data‑driven analysis
• AI‑powered formulation optimisation