Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Cosmetic Chemist to join our fast-growing company. We manufacture in-house brands and need someone to join the team to ensure that we're putting the best product quality on our shelves. The successful candidate will play a critical role in product development, quality assurance, packaging evaluation, compliance, and content support. This role requires a strong technical understanding of cosmetic formulation, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across product, supply chain, and marketing teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Development & Innovation

Ideate and develop new skincare product concepts aligned with brand strategy and market trends. Brief and work closely with the contract manufacturer to create prototype formulations. Evaluate sample submissions for texture, stability, efficacy, scent, colour, and overall consumer experience. Provide clear feedback to suppliers and guide formulation adjustments until final approval. Maintain a strong understanding of ingredient innovations, actives, and global market shifts.
2. Sample Testing & Sign-Off

Conduct organoleptic testing, compatibility checks, and stability testing in collaboration with suppliers. Assess raw material quality, claims support, and formulation feasibility. Approve or reject samples based on performance, safety, and regulatory standards. Maintain records of sample testing, revisions, and final approved specifications.
3. Packaging Review & Selection

Work closely with the Supply Chain Co-ordinator to identify and evaluate suitable packaging options for existing and new products. Conduct compatibility testing between formulations and packaging materials. Assess packaging usability, aesthetics, sustainability, and durability. Ensure packaging suppliers meet required quality and regulatory standards.
4. Regulatory Compliance & Labelling

Ensure all product labels, artworks, and packaging information comply with South African cosmetic regulations (CTFA/DTIC, INCI nomenclature, claims, warnings, batch coding, etc.). Review and sign off all artworks prior to printing. Keep updated on regulatory changes in South Africa and key international markets of interest. Assist with compiling Product Information Files (PIFs) when required.
5. Cross-Functional Support

Partner with the Marketing Team to ideate and validate claims, education content, and product storytelling. Provide scientific insights and ingredient explanations for consumer-facing content. Support quality-related queries from customer service or retail teams.
6. Quality & Continuous Improvement

Evaluate production trial batches to ensure consistency with approved samples. Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, ingredient improvements, or enhanced product stability. Conduct regular competitor analyses and benchmarking.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or related field (SCCP/CTFA accreditation advantageous). Minimum 3-5 years' experience formulating or evaluating skincare and personal care products. Strong knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, formulation techniques, and product testing methodologies. Understanding of South African regulatory requirements for cosmetics. Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills. Ability to work in a high-growth, fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders.

Key Competencies

Innovation and trend awareness Strong attention to detail Problem-solving and analytical thinking Ability to work with and across teams Organised and process driven Consumer-centric mindset Ability to translate complex science into simple language

Why Join Us?

Opportunity to develop award-winning beauty products for a rapidly growing multi-brand business. Work with a dynamic, entrepreneurial team passionate about skincare innovation. Be involved from concept to launch with significant influence on product direction.
Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

Do you have a strong knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, formulation techniques, and product testing methodologies? Do you have an understanding of South African regulatory requirements for cosmetics?
Education:

Bachelors (Preferred)
Experience:

formulating or evaluating skincare products: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person