Heather hopes the Brains can help: Hi, I’m currently looking in to Cosmetic Science as a career. I will be graduating from uni this year but have no previous experience in the area. I plan to do a diploma from the SCS in Cosmetic Science to start me off. If you have any advice or information I’d be very grateful. Thank you!
Right Brain responds:
Heather, how wonderful that you want to enter cosmetic science. This industry, and science based
industries in general, need more women. I have always found it amusing/appalling to hear non-make-up wearing, bald men men in our industry blab on about exactly what women want. Ha!
We often get asked this and similar questions about becoming a cosmetic scientist on the Beauty Brains so we’ll provide a general answer here. Hopefully, some of this information helps you.
Key Moves to Become a Cosmetic Scientist
1. Get a science degree. Unless you have a relative who started the company, you will need a college degree in science since most cosmetic firms require it. Preferred ones include degrees in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. However, plenty of scientists in our industry have Biology, Microbiology, and even Physics degrees. The specific college or Uni that you attend is less important than which degree you received.
2. Consider getting an advanced degree. True, a 4-year college degree is all you need, but you can improve your chances of breaking into cosmetics by getting an advanced degree. Your involvement with the SCS is a great start in the UK. In the United States, there are only a few advanced degrees offered. These include places like the University of Cincinnati, St. John’s University, Rutgers University, University of Southern California, etc. Check the college’s Pharmacy departments for more information. You can contact the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) for a complete list. In addition to getting something good for putting on your resume, you’ll get invaluable experience making cosmetic products & meet some great people.
3. Find the companies where you’d like to work. This industry has thousands of companies that employ cosmetic chemists. Where do you find them? If you like, internet searches work, but you can also search trade magazines like Happi or GCI. In GCI, your search can be done by region of the US or world. Of course, you can also look at what company makes a product you like and Google their contact information to inquire about jobs.
4. Figure out what job you want. Speaking of jobs, many different different ones exist in the cosmetic industry for scientists. If you actually want to make formulas, you’ll want a formulating job. People who enjoyed experiments in Organic Chemistry might like these jobs. If you were more interested in Analytical Chemistry than you’ll want to find a job in an analytical lab. You can also find jobs in microbiology, perfumery, and quality control. For chemical engineers, your job search can lead you to process engineering which requires you to figure out how you might scale 1kg batches up to 10,000 kg tanks. Finally, if all else fails you can get a sales job. Raw material suppliers always look for people with technical backgrounds who can sell product. Personally, I think formulating jobs rule!
5. Find a temporary assignment. If it is too difficult to break directly into the industry, you might try finding a job through a temp agency. These companies can place you at big cosmetic companies like P&G or Unilever for a short or longer term assignment. Many people get hired on permanently at companies after starting as a temp.
6. Network with other cosmetic chemists. If you really want to step ahead of the other cosmetic science job seekers, strike up relationships with other scientists that already work on cosmetics. The most popular US association is the SCC and in the UK it is the SCS. For other countries you can contact the IFSCC to find out your local organization. The SCC has chapters throughout the US and you can often visit a monthly meeting for free. There you can meet the most famous cosmetic chemist. If you prefer computers, look on LinkedIn, Facebook or MySpace for chemists who list their affiliation. You can even join our Beauty Brains Forum and get connected with other cosmetic chemists.
Cosmetic science is a rewarding career which enables you to create and use almost any cosmetic or personal care product you want. Better living through chemistry. I love it!
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There are a few other notable schools offering advanced degrees for readers to consider. Fairleigh Dickinson University, Long Island University and University of Southern Mississippi all offer graduate degree programs that are geared towards the cosmetic science industry.
HELLO! My name is monet and right now I’m trying to start my own cosmetics line! Only problem is idk where to start but I have so many creative ideas for my line and I know what I want my products to be like, basically I want to make a make-up line that is good for your skin and wont break skin out. Ok so I am looking for a cosmetic chemist to help me out and be on my team to start a cosmetic line! If you are interested or know somebody who will be interested please email me as soon as possible at monet4eva@yahoo.com Thank you!
I am looking for a person with a science related degree and 1-5 yr experience with cosmetic/personal care product formulation. If you feel you are a fit please send me your resume
I am a former science teacher and I started my own cosmetics business. It is the best job in the world!
hey i am a graduate of chemistry 2008. i am more interested in organic synthesis.i love the world of perfumes and chemical raw materials. i want to start my own beauty line but i need a cosmetic chemist and also i want to be one as well.ideas are welcome and needed.this is a dream that must grow
I am about to graduate with PhD in bio-analytical chemistry and currently I am job searching. My dream position would be somewhere in the personal care and beauty product R&D department.
I have been in the job search for the last 4 months, and no success so far. Seems that all companies want cosmetic chemists with at least 5-7 years experience in field of cosmetics and formulations. I feel that I can offer so much- I am an excellent analytical chemist, can handle any instrument, design experiments with meaningful quality control asessment, have good background in the microbiology, biochemistry, water chemistry. And I have been passionate about cosmetic chemistry for years- books, scientific articles, Happi, took a class Skin Care Science. My independent proposal (one of the qualification exams in the chemistry program) was about sunscreens… But officially I don’t have any experience…it is like Catch 22 – can’t get job without experience, can’t get experience, because everybody wants experienced people…oh well, got little bit sad while writing my pity story…
If
Came across this site in research, I am a 25yr. vet in the beauty business, currently doing education for a popular wet line of products, I know what will sell and what wont in this market place, I have also seen a huge gap in a specific category, anyone out there willing to partner with me in developing something HUGE?
krodriguez104@yahoo.com
I would like information on reverse engineering. Do cosmetic chemists in boutique labs, for example, do this sort of thing. Could someone point me in the right direction please?
Thx!
Nikki
They absolutely do. You can find more about what cosmetic chemists do (and even get a free book on how to duplicate any cosmetic formula) at the cosmetic chemist resource site. Chemists Corner
Hi, I’ll be a 2009 Biochem/pharm chem grad from UCSD and looking for any guidance or possibility of networking within the cosmetic field. I originally wanted to go into pharmacy but through personal growth within the past few years has changed my choice. I have no prior work experience but I am a newly grad and ready and willing to start entry-level and work my way up. Please send any guidance or help point me to the right direction. Thanks in advance!
no
I am so happy i found this site! It’s really useful.
I did a diploma in science in year 2008, i got a conditional offer in London College of Fashion in doing a Cosmetic Science BSc sandwich degree (including a one year placement) starting from 2009 – 2012 =)
This degree covers all aspects in terms of sales, marketing, formulating and other topics, so i hope i will find what’s my strongest interest when i start studying this year.
Is formulating new cosmetic products difficult? or very long hours at work may i ask?
Many thanks for your advice.
Mandi
Hello Mandi,
Formulating cosmetic products are not difficult but making really great ones are a lot harder. Being a cosmetic chemist is much like being a cook. Anyone can make an omelet, but it takes a real chef to make a great omelet.
You can find more advice about becoming a cosmetic chemist on this site Chemists Corner
I also wonder, why does some people think Cosmetic Science degrees are mickey mouse courses what are your opinions upon that? I just want to follow my instinct, do what i want to do regardless of what others’ say. I’m really looking forward to this degree and i would be happy to achieve a 2:1 are there any tips in how to ahieve that? Although i know you need to work hard but are any tips available?
Many Thanks
Mandi
Cosmetic science courses are definitely not Mickey Mouse courses. In fact, many of them are the same ones that pharmacists & dermatologists have to take. There are some that would be “soft” science such as the testing & consumer research stuff but those subjects are just in their infancy.
You should do what makes you happy. Forget about what other people say about your degree. In the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (Scientists) there are some excellent scientists. Unfortunately, I don’t know what you mean by a 2:1.
Hi Beauty brains, thank you for the valuable advice.
I have a 3rd year placement, do you know what it takes to get into L’Oreal? Or which beauty companies are good to work with?
Many Thanks again
Mandi
L’Oreal is a great company to work with for cosmetic chemists. Also, big companies like P&G, Unilever, etc. are good and don’t forget raw material suppliers like Rhodia, National Starch, ISP. Unfortunately, we can’t tell you specifically what to do to get in there beyond sending out resumes & attending industry meetings like the SCC to meet people that already work for those companies. Another strategy is to create a LinkedIn profile and see if you can connect with people who work at the companies you want to work for.
This is exactly what I was looking for thanks!
i have a bachelor’s in biology and am soo lost in what i really wanted to do (i orginally intended on med school)… cosmetic chemist seems like an amazing career and i enjoy lab work. i looked up some jobs but all want year(s) of experience….what should i do??? i took a million lab courses in college at rutgers, but i would be lying if i said i remembered even half of what i learnt…it’s been years now. any advice on where i should start? there must be entry level jobs somewhere!!
The best place for cosmetic chemist jobs is in New Jersey. However, I would suggest you join a lab temp agency. They will often place people in jobs for an extended period of time and you can gain experience. Also, look at the website “Careers in Cosmetics”. They might have some leads for you.
thank u, very helpful!
Hello all,
I was accepted into the Cosmetic Science degree program at the London College of Fashion. I had to defer enrollment because i’m trying to source funding. It’s an undergrad 3yr sandwich degree. As far as i know the only other school offering something even close on the undergrad level is FIT in NY (Cosmetic Marketing BS). Does anyone have any suggestions about finding grants or scholarships or an alternative route. I and 10 credits shy of an associate degree. This would be a great opportunity to study abroad. Its just soo expensive and financial aid offers only Stafford loans. I’m going to contact the SCC in NY about a list of schools too.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
I like to visit this website because I am working in Cosmetic company in USA last 6 years.I love my job. If you want to cosmetic chemist, you need to learn how do work analytical instrument such as HPLC and GC.I am writing in my blog about cosmetic chemistry and chemistry. http:btumur.blogspot.com
Thank you thebeauty brain it was very helpful information.
i have 4-5 years experience has a formulation chemist/scientist. best program is the master degree program at fairleigh dickinson unversity. i finish my masters degree in 2006. i loveeeeeeeeeee my job
need a formulation chemist/scientist. in your company or want to design your own line, please contact me via email lolafalana20032003@yahoo.com. i can help
want to break into cosmetic industry, or looking for opportunities , send me a email lolafalana20032003@yahoo.com
Hi, can someone tell me more about the London College of Fashion Cosmetic Science degree…I already graduated from UIUC with degree in Chemistry and I’m thinking about applying to this program. Please share any advice you may have.
Hello, my name is Tenesha and I am currently an undergrad student majoring in Biology. I have plans on becoming a cosmetic scientist. I have been researching this field for the past 2 years and I think I would love the job. I worked in the cosmetic field for about two years, and I enjoyed my work very mcuh. I applied to Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Masters of Arts program in Cosmetic Science and I intend on applying to The University of Cincinnati’s program in Pharmaceutical science with an emphasis on cosmetic science…however I would like to gain more experience in this field…does anyone know of any entry level jobs where I can get more experience in the cosmetics industry
I also worked for Lancome for a year and a half as a Cosmetic consultant, and so I have seen how the products work that are created in the laboratories and I would love to be one of the many people who create these products.
You can learn more about cosmetic chemistry and becoming a cosmetic chemist over at this site. http://chemistscorner.com
Hi Beautybrains,
Do you know anything about the fairleigh dickinson cosmetic science programs and the one offered online by University of Cincinnati? I live in Canada, therefore, the online program interests me more, but which would you recommend? Is the cosmetic science industry huge in Canada? If so, how would I come about to get into the industry?
Karen
Dear The Beauty Brains,
I am a sophomore in high school, but i am interested in going to college for chemistry for cosmetics. I was talking to my dentist and he was telling me all these different things i could do with chemistry and makeup. My question is, where should i start? What is the difference between formulating and analytical chemistry? What branch of chemistry in college would i need to go into for makeup. Also, how is working for Mac Cosmetics as a chemist? Are there better companies you would suggest?
I hope to hear from you soon
-Sylvana
I am currently an undergraduate student majoring in chemistry. i really want a career as a cosmetic chemist…but im not sure exactly about what i should do after i graduate.i do not have any experience in the industry. i want to start an Msc program with a concentration in cosmetic science and then look for an entry level job…am i on the right track? also, i would very much like to do my postgrad studies in the UK for several personal reasons. wat are the study opportunities in UK for cosmetic chemistry? is it better to follow an Msc in the US, like at University of Cincinnati or Fairleigh Dickinson University? please please advice me…i’d really appreciate the help! thank u!!!
Starting in an Msc program is a good idea unless you are able to find a job with a cosmetic company right out of school. You can see if there are any entry levels jobs in your area.
For educational opportunities in the UK, contact the Society of Cosmetic Scientists (SCS) and they can point you in the right direction. The programs in the US are top notch but I believe the UK has a few.
Good luck. And if you are looking for more information about becoming a cosmetic chemist, see this website. http://bit.ly/aXSYCY
thank you so much Beauty Brains!!! i’m very grateful for ur help!!! i’ll keep u posted about wat i find!
Hi
I have a beuaty therapy NVQ and love the science behind it and
I have been offered a plcae at london college of fashion forcosmetic science, i am currently studying biology and chemistry at college. I dont know whether to take the place as im worried the hardcore chemistry/maths part of it wll be too difficult. I love the science behind cosmetics but ive found the mathmatical part of chemistry really difficult at college so i know it will only get harder at university, can you please give me some real advice as what to expect and how much mathmatical difficult stuff there is??
Thanks!!!!!
@Vicki – The truth is the mathematical part of chemistry doesn’t really play much role in cosmetic science. Cosmetic chemistry is more like cooking. You just learn what the ingredients do and over time figure out what % of the material you use. If you like cosmetics and the science behind it, you should have no problem with a cosmetic science program.
For more information on cosmetic chemistry, you should see this website.
http://chemistscorner.com
ok thanks so much for a reply!!
Hello The Beuty Brains! I really want to study cosmetic chemist, could you please tell me in wich universities outside US or USA could i study it? Actually i am interested in Sweden.
Thank you !!
O dear! is there any hope at all for someone 57 yrs of age? What exactly is it one needs to “break into this field” cosmectic scientist?” I have been dressing hair for about 40+ years, and my own hair studio and jewelry making /custom for 29 years. Clue? Is it too late? Thanx U! Florina!
Hi Beauty brains,
I am interested in working as a cosmetic chemist and I intend to study pharmacy, chemistry or cosmetic science. Could you please advise which of these degree programs is preferred by big cosmetic companies such as P&G and L’Oreal?
I’ve done some research on BSc Cosmetic Science offered by London College of Fashion. It seems like a more surface course as it is not an in-depth scientific course as compared to pharmacy or chemistry. I am concern if this course would equip me with sufficient scientific knowledge to make it in the industry. Please advise me.
Many thanks,
Kim
i want cosmetic chemist job in thiland as permanently pl. give me opportuneate to serve that that company.
my emai is uttamchkrbrt5@gmail.com
phone (india)-09474960051
I want to become a cosmetics chemist so that I may analyze fragrance oils for my soap making company.
I currently use essential oils, but am about to embark on a mission to get US grade fragrance oils assessed and certified for use here.
This means testing for potential allergens, so I thought maybe if I train to become a cosmetics chemist I could do this for myself and others in the same business as me. I KNOW a lot of people who would love to be able to incorporate the US grade oils into their products and know that they would pay good money for assessments.
I really want to do this for myself, but it would be great to help others too.
Any ideas or suggestions, please email me at tiggy@futureprimitive.co.uk
Thanks!
WELLDONE, IT REALLY HELPS ME A LOT. THANK U!!