Cosmetic сhemists study the art, science, and business of cosmetics and complete an internship. They learn to develop, formulate and produce cosmetics and personal care products. They study regulations and how to assess products' safety, performance, and quality.

A comprehensive understanding of the safety of formulations, stability, and efficacy of personal care products is at the forefront of a Cosmetic Chemist's approach.

Cosmetic Chemists are important to consumer health and safety. They test ingredients before products reach the market to ensure consumer well-being. Chemists also keep product lines fresh and relevant by developing new, innovative products.

Who are cosmetic chemists?

A cosmetic chemist's or cosmetic scientist's job requires them to perform a wide range of tasks both inside and outside of the lab. The role of a formulator will be your primary duty. To create cosmetic products like lipstick, nail polish, skin lotions, shampoos, toothpaste, and other types of personal care products, you must combine raw materials. Additionally, you must develop the skills necessary to distinguish between a good product and one that doesn't perform as well as possible, test cosmetic prototypes, address production issues, and evaluate rival products. There will be many opportunities for you to use products if you enjoy doing so.

Why Study Cosmetic Chemistry?

Earning a Cosmetic Science Degree is a great career choice for those interested in the science behind creating personal care and beauty products. Many students come from large cosmetic companies with chemistry or engineering degrees. Other students come from non-science majors such as business and marketing interested in learning more about the science behind the products.

A graduate degree in Cosmetic Science can help those looking to advance or grow their careers in cosmetics and personal care.

Get a science degree

The most common degrees that cosmetic scientists get are bachelor's degrees in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or Microbiology. You also find a few Physics majors too. For most companies, the specific school you attend is less important than the degree you received however, in the United States, big companies tend to hire people from schools on the east coast.

While a 4-year degree is all you need, bigger companies like P&G, Unilever, or L’Oreal tend to favor students who have Masters's or Ph.D. degrees in chemistry or chemical engineering. Advanced degrees do tend to make you a more desirable hire when going through the interview process. Plus having an advanced degree is generally just a good idea for scientists.

Your career after graduation

A cosmetic chemist can work for companies that produce cosmetics, including some of the largest cosmetic companies, as well as with raw material suppliers, contract manufacturers, testing facilities, and even formulating consulting firms. It's an enjoyable job with lots of room for creativity and the chance to produce products that people use every day.

According to the U.S. Bureau of labor statistics, the demand for chemists and material scientists is expected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, which is about as fast as the average of other occupations.