Active Concepts LLC
Senior Formulating Chemist - Cosmetics
Active Concepts LLC, Lincolnton, North Carolina, United States
Job Description
Job Description Description: We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Formulating Chemist to join our Research & Innovation team in the development of innovative cosmetic products. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Skincare and Hair Care formulation, a strong understanding of FDA regulations, and a proven ability to lead projects from concept through commercialization. This role requires technical expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership in driving formulation excellence.
Key Responsibilities: 1. Research & Innovation Leadership Lead multiple complex R&I projects with minimal supervision, from ideation through to scale-up and launch. Translate concept briefs into technically sound formulas, applying innovative ingredient solutions and troubleshooting formulation challenges. Identify and implement innovative formulation strategies aligned with consumer trends and brand objectives. Own all technical aspects of formulation development, including prototype creation, stability testing, and batch adjustments to meet key performance and regulatory criteria. 2. Formulation Development Design, develop, and optimize skincare and hair care formulations that meet performance, safety, regulatory, and stability requirements. Solve complex formulation challenges including emulsion stability, texture optimization, and preservative systems. Adapt formulas for different global market needs ( US, CAN, EU, Can, China, etc) 3. Regulatory Compliance & Safety Ensure all formulations comply with applicable FDA regulations for cosmetics and OTC products (if applicable), as well as global regulatory requirements. Maintain a strong understanding of internal development standards, including safety, microbiology, regulatory, and formulation charters. Prepare and maintain documentation for regulatory submissions, ingredient disclosures, and testing requirements. 4. Technical Leadership & Collaboration Provide scientific advisory support across projects, acting as a subject matter expert in formulation science. Coordinate with internal cross-functional teams (Regulatory, Microbiology, Claims, Packaging, and Manufacturing) and external partners to ensure seamless product development. Support scale-up and manufacturing processes in collaboration with Operations and QA/QC teams. 5. Mentorship & Team Development Mentor and train junior chemists and technicians, promoting best practices and fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence. Team Leadership: May supervise and guide other team members, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines. 6. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with other departments such as Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), Production, Regulatory, Packaging, and Marketing to ensure successful product development, scale-up, and launch. Support seamless communication and coordination across teams to resolve technical challenges and maintain alignment throughout the development process. 7. Technical Tools & Documentation Demonstrate proficiency in R&I lab systems, formulation software, and data analysis tools. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of lab work, formulation revisions, and stability results. Requirements:
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field. 5–8+ years of formulation experience in skincare or cosmetic product development. Strong knowledge of FDA regulations and global compliance requirements (CAN, EU, China). Experience working in a regulated environment with an understanding of product safety, efficacy, and microbiological standards. Proficient in managing complex technical projects and leading cross-functional collaboration. Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills. Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive mindset.
Preferred Experience: Experience of working with OTC products (acne, SPF, anti-dandruff). Familiarity with GMP, ISO 22716, and claims substantiation practices. Prior experience with clean beauty, natural ingredients, or sustainable formulation practices is a plus.
Job Description Description: We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Formulating Chemist to join our Research & Innovation team in the development of innovative cosmetic products. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Skincare and Hair Care formulation, a strong understanding of FDA regulations, and a proven ability to lead projects from concept through commercialization. This role requires technical expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership in driving formulation excellence.
Key Responsibilities: 1. Research & Innovation Leadership Lead multiple complex R&I projects with minimal supervision, from ideation through to scale-up and launch. Translate concept briefs into technically sound formulas, applying innovative ingredient solutions and troubleshooting formulation challenges. Identify and implement innovative formulation strategies aligned with consumer trends and brand objectives. Own all technical aspects of formulation development, including prototype creation, stability testing, and batch adjustments to meet key performance and regulatory criteria. 2. Formulation Development Design, develop, and optimize skincare and hair care formulations that meet performance, safety, regulatory, and stability requirements. Solve complex formulation challenges including emulsion stability, texture optimization, and preservative systems. Adapt formulas for different global market needs ( US, CAN, EU, Can, China, etc) 3. Regulatory Compliance & Safety Ensure all formulations comply with applicable FDA regulations for cosmetics and OTC products (if applicable), as well as global regulatory requirements. Maintain a strong understanding of internal development standards, including safety, microbiology, regulatory, and formulation charters. Prepare and maintain documentation for regulatory submissions, ingredient disclosures, and testing requirements. 4. Technical Leadership & Collaboration Provide scientific advisory support across projects, acting as a subject matter expert in formulation science. Coordinate with internal cross-functional teams (Regulatory, Microbiology, Claims, Packaging, and Manufacturing) and external partners to ensure seamless product development. Support scale-up and manufacturing processes in collaboration with Operations and QA/QC teams. 5. Mentorship & Team Development Mentor and train junior chemists and technicians, promoting best practices and fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence. Team Leadership: May supervise and guide other team members, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines. 6. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with other departments such as Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), Production, Regulatory, Packaging, and Marketing to ensure successful product development, scale-up, and launch. Support seamless communication and coordination across teams to resolve technical challenges and maintain alignment throughout the development process. 7. Technical Tools & Documentation Demonstrate proficiency in R&I lab systems, formulation software, and data analysis tools. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of lab work, formulation revisions, and stability results. Requirements:
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field. 5–8+ years of formulation experience in skincare or cosmetic product development. Strong knowledge of FDA regulations and global compliance requirements (CAN, EU, China). Experience working in a regulated environment with an understanding of product safety, efficacy, and microbiological standards. Proficient in managing complex technical projects and leading cross-functional collaboration. Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills. Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive mindset.
Preferred Experience: Experience of working with OTC products (acne, SPF, anti-dandruff). Familiarity with GMP, ISO 22716, and claims substantiation practices. Prior experience with clean beauty, natural ingredients, or sustainable formulation practices is a plus.