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How to be a cosmetic scientist?
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I really love skin and biology and chemistry..so I want to combine my interests and get into the field of cosmetic science. Can anyone give me advice on how to achieve this goal? I am in my third year of college and I am majoring in Biology.
Thanks. -
^KEEP APPLYING AND DON'T GIVE UP!!!!
I majored in Microbiology and also wanted to go into cosmetic chemistry, but well
1. A lot of places I looked at required a degree in chemistry or chemical engineering rather than biology
2. Bigger companies tend to want lots of experience in the industry, which I didn't have
3. Smaller companies wanted someone without all that "technical lab experience" that I had (PCR, PAGE, etc)
soo.. I needed a job, and just ended up at the first place that gave me an offer.. which wasn't a cosmetic related job..
so from my own job hunt, I guess I can suggest that you apply for internships at P&G or any big company that offers internships to give you that experience.. also that may lead to something more in the same company if you enjoy it! -
Yea, I noticed that a lot of positions require a chem degree. If i had enough time, I would have liked to get a chem minor. But since I don't, I am taking chem classes (currently in Orgo) and I am planning to take chemical engineering classes. I am looking into internships that deal with product development (of various things so that I can get insight into the process) and even one that would allow me to work with other cosmetic scientists. I am also looking into other opportunities that are indirectly related like beauty journalism. Basically I am trying to get a lot of experience where ever I can!-
Farleigh Dickinson University in NJ has a grad program where you can get a Master of Arts in Science with a Concentration in Cosmetic Science. The admission requirements would not be hard for me to attain: BA in either bio, chem, biochemistry, or pharmacy (I am getting a degree in bio), 2 semesters of Organic Chem (I am already in my first semester and will complete the 2nd semester this year), and the results of the GRE. I looked at the classes for this program and they are great!! Definitely classes I would love to take. And an added perk is that this school is in my home state :) I think getting this degree could be a good opportunity to get into the industry.
I won't give up taiwanesegurl! Thanks for your comment :) -
My son is majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering. There seem to be so many job options with a chemistry background. Good luck!
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I think it was Left Brain that referred me to this website:
http://www.scconline.org/index.shtml
It has a LOT of info on well.. how to be a cosmetic chemist!!
For me, it sucked because although I had good lab experience, it was microbiology/molecular biology centered. So while I was certainly qualified for lab positions in development departments, I was also TOO qualified in what they called the "technical" stuff. I was SOOO pissed because I certainly know how to mix chemicals together and make observations of them, and I've taken organic chem lab and synthesized so much stuff, so because I had extra knowledge they didn't want me. I'm still a bit bitter about the whole thing, mainly because I'm not loving my current job so much. It's certainly one of those high-skilled, high-tech, but LOW-end jobs if you know what I mean.
I think it's great that you figured out what you want to go into early on, because I didn't until it was time to look for a job. I got all the wrong experience for a cosmetic chemist, so now I'm trying to find another door into the industry. I guess, just don't get stuck in the same predicament as me, and I'm sure you'll be fine!!
PS: Good luck with orgo... it's a killer. -
taiwanesegurl, California is a great place to be if you are looking for a job in the cosmetic industry. There are lots of manufacturers out there and the California SCC is the second largest chapter. Here is a link to their website's Job Opening page.
Just from your contribution to this site and the description of your background, you could easily become an excellent cosmetic formulator. It's really not too difficult and is more like being a cook than being a chemist. I've worked with people who have backgrounds in biology, chemical engineering and even anthropology. Some people even start in the lab as a technician with no background and just work their way up to become the most famous cosmetic chemist. This is a bit harder these days as almost everyone in the industry has some kind of science degree.
Note, an advanced degree is not needed for most jobs in the cosmetic industry. You're better off finding a technician job, learning about formulating and moving to a new company as a formulator. Microbiologists are used in the industry but more in the QA/QC departments. Cosmetic formulators are the real "rock stars" of this industry. Incidentally, the Farleigh Dickinson program is a great one and the people who graduate from it rarely have trouble finding a job in the cosmetic industry. P&G loves to hire from there. If you really want to make it easy to get a job in the cosmetic industry, New Jersey/New York is the place to be. There are lots of jobs out there. Yeah, good luck with orgo...it was my worst class. No..wait...Inorganic was much tougher. dsp-orbitals, pi bonds, wow. -
I live in PA and work in NJ but usually anytime I am going anywhere in NJ I drive past Johnson&Johnson and all kinds of companies. I hadn't finished reading Left Brain's reply when I thought NJ and NY are great places to work for the cosmentic industry. I was excited to finish her reply and see that we were thinking the same :)
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I don't know if you visited this website yet.
www.specialchem4cosmetics.com
Lot of valuable cosmetic information. And for free!!!
Also free on-line event about innovative ingredients. Next one is about an exfoliating powder:
http://www.specialchem4cosmetics.com/services/webseminars/index.aspx?id=10546
Hope this is helpful. -
Does anyone have any suggestions for cosmetic chemistry jobs in canada? I'm finding it really difficult to find positions in this field in my country!!!
Thanks,
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There are Society of Cosmetic Chemist chapters in Ontario and in Quebec so if you are in those areas, I'd suggest you contact them. This is where all the cosmetic chemists in those regions of Canada hang out. They'll know where the jobs are.
Check the National SCC website under the Chapters page to find contact information. -
Thanks for the feedback...unfortunately i'm on the other side of the country!
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^I use to check the CA SCC website all the time for job openings, but it seems like the website is closed. But it did give me an idea of the qualifications employers were looking for.
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Farleigh Dickinson program, huh? Maybe I won't go to law school. Seriously though, it sounds awesome. How does one become a perfumer? Or focus on the chemistry of pigmentation? I love color chemistry
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@sunshinechemist - if you're interested in cosmetic chemistry you should see http://chemistscorner.com. It's a new site with training tips about becoming a cosmetic chemist. At least one of the chemists is a co-author on the book Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry.
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They have a newly released Third Ediction that has some additional chapters.
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I think cosmetic chemistry is amazing - they really are the rock stars of beauty products!!!
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Does anyone know where I might be able to get a product tested for all of its chemical ingredients?
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