Mid-Senior Cosmetic Formulation Chemist

Skincare & Haircare Development | Auckland, New Zealand

About Us

We are a growing boutique contract manufacturer based in Auckland, New Zealand, specializing in the development and manufacture of innovative personal care and cosmetic products. We partner with leading beauty and wellness brands to bring new product ideas to life, from concept and formulation through to commercial production.

We're looking for an experienced Cosmetic Formulation Chemist who is passionate about creating high-performing skincare and haircare products. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working hands-on in the lab, exploring new ingredients and technologies, and transforming customer briefs into commercially successful products.

If you love formulating, solving technical challenges, and developing products that consumers genuinely enjoy using, we'd love to hear from you.

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What You'll Be Doing

Product Development & Innovation

• Design, develop, and optimize innovative formulations across skincare, haircare, and personal care categories.
• Create products that deliver exceptional performance, stability, aesthetics, and consumer experience.
• Translate customer briefs into commercially viable formulations that meet brand positioning and target costs.
• Explore new raw materials, ingredient technologies, and market trends to create innovative products.
• Conduct formulation trials and evaluate texture, sensory attributes, efficacy, and compatibility.
• Collaborate directly with customers to refine formulations and achieve desired product claims and performance.

Technical Expertise

• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and identify creative solutions during development and scale-up.
• Lead pilot batches and support the transition from laboratory development to manufacturing.
• Conduct stability, compatibility, and performance evaluations to ensure long-term product success.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to optimize process parameters and product consistency.
• Provide technical guidance on ingredient selection, formulation strategies, and product performance.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with production, regulatory, and quality teams to bring new products to market successfully.
• Mentor junior formulators and laboratory technicians.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

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What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Science, or a related field.

• 3+ years' experience formulating cosmetic or personal care products, with strong experience in skincare and/or haircare formulation.

• Proven hands-on formulation experience with:

  • Emulsions
  • Surfactant systems
  • Serums and active-based formulations
  • Hair care systems
  • Preservation strategies
  • Natural and specialty ingredients

• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, formulation interactions, and product aesthetics.

• Experience taking formulations from concept through pilot scale to commercial manufacture.

• A creative mindset with a passion for product innovation and problem-solving.

• Ability to manage multiple development projects in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.

• Excellent communication skills and confidence interacting with customers and suppliers.

Highly Desirable

• Experience within a cosmetic or personal care contract manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of global cosmetic regulations and product claims.
• Experience working with natural, clean beauty, or performance-driven formulations.

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Why Join Us?

• Work on a broad range of exciting skincare and haircare projects for leading beauty brands.
• Be part of a highly creative and innovation-focused technical team.
• See your formulations progress from concept to store shelves.
• Gain exposure to cutting-edge ingredients, technologies, and emerging market trends.
• Enjoy a dynamic, collaborative environment with real opportunities for professional growth.
• Competitive salary package and career development opportunities.

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Ready to Create the Next Generation of Beauty Products?

If you're a hands-on formulation chemist who loves developing exceptional skincare and haircare products, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of beauty innovation in New Zealand.