how to become a cosmetic chemist?

How do you become a cosmetic chemist?

Not that any of this upcoming information is exclusive or secret, but this information wasn’t something that I knew about before becoming a cosmetic chemist. This is information that I have access to now that can potentially be of use for people who are interested in becoming a cosmetic chemist or entering the cosmetic industry.

What is a cosmetic chemist?

Cosmetic chemists have a variety of responsibilities, that include:

• researching, developing and formulating products

• troubleshooting manufacturing or formulation issues

• running stability tests on products

• bettering your skills to become more innovative

• attending meetings with customers or suppliers

• keeping track of project progresses

• and so on so forth

The below information can be applied to multiple careers within the cosmetic industry.

How to become a cosmetic chemist?

• follow @cosmeticpadacts : this blog will contain & maintain information for anyone interested in cosmetics & the industry

• get a science or marketing degree : there are various scientific or even marketing degrees that can be applicable to the industry

  • e.g. chemistry, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, engineering, marketing

• discover what cosmetic science position suits you :

  • e.g. cosmetic chemist, synthesis chemist, QA/QC, process engineer, microbiologist, sales, marketing.

• intern, network & reach out : this will help you find out if you will enjoy the industry + can potentially provide you with a competitive edge in your career

  • feel free to contact me with any questions

    • (e-mail: cosmeticpadacts@gmail.com | IG & TW: @cosmeticpadacts | YT @Cosmetic Padacts)

  • Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) - "Our mission is to further the interests and recognition of cosmetic scientists while maintaining the confidence of the public in the cosmetic and toiletries industry."

    • SCC has multiple chapters throughout the United States of America, New England, Ontario, and Quebec.

    • Find the nearest chapter to you and become a member or attend chapter meetings to network in person -- meeting someone in person is more memorable than meeting them online. (Students typically get discounted memberships when joining).

  • LinkedIn - LinkedIn is a great site to begin networking with those in the cosmetic industry. Ways to network on LinkedIn:

    • You can simply search 'cosmetic chemist' and find multiple people with that job title and begin messaging or connecting with them.

• Find a position : of course, this is easier said than done for many. In my career, I’ve applied for MANY positions and was either not even considered or didn’t make the cut.

  • Start with the people that you have networked with via Cosmetic Padacts, SCC, and LinkedIn

  • SCC has job postings in some individual chapters

  • LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster - great places to start looking for positions

  • I am not sure how up to date their information is, but you can also look on Cosmetic Executive Women for job postings

  • You can consider positions with the large name brands (L’Oréal, Estée Lauder), indie brands, OTC topical companies, or even raw material supplier companies.

I am looking forward to hearing future stories from anyone who joined the industry through this.