Is it difficult to find a job as a cosmetic chemist?

Hi Marie,

As a cosmetic scientist you would be involved in the research and development of cosmetics, hair care, perfume and toiletry products, ensuring not only that they do what they are intended to but above all that they are safe to use for the consumer.

During the development process a product goes through many different stages requiring a range of skills. Depending on the size of the project and the company, you may only work at one of these stages or you may see a product through from concept to the production line and post launch.

Although science-based, this job requires a lot of creativity, an eye for colour and a nose for smell. You will often work at a fast-moving pace to ensure deadlines are met and products are launched on time. You may liaise with the marketing department to interpret new trends and you may be required to answer questions and trouble-shoot problems relating to the formulation once it reaches the production line.

Related occupations:

You might also consider: Perfumer, Fragrance Evaluator, Pharmacologist

Perfumer

A perfumer is an expert in creating perfume compositions. They are often regarded as artists who are experts at conveying a mood or a feeling through scent. They will have an incredibly keen sense of smell and will have extensive knowledge of a large variety of ingredients, their smells and chemical compositions. Training is usually by an in-house apprenticeship with a fragrance house such as International Flavours & Fragrances (IFF) or Givaudan but there are courses offered by Plymouth University which offers a BA in Business & Perfumery.

Fragrance evaluator

A fragrance evaluator is the link between the client, typically a large corporation and the perfumer. The evaluator is in charge of translating the often intangible descriptions that clients submit as a brief for a new product. They work closely with the perfumer to interpret this brief and to bring the clients imagination to life in a fragrance. Training is usually by in-house apprenticeships with many evaluators starting out as laboratory technicians, helping perfumers with the preparation of their compositions, although Plymouth University offers a BA in Business & Perfumery.

More in:
http://www.scs.org.uk/content.aspx?pageid=490

http://chemistscorner.com/5-places-to-find-cosmetic-science-jobs/

Good luck!