Senior Chemist II, Makeup Formulation Development

Title: Senior Chemist II, Makeup Formulation Development

Location: Clark, New Jersey

Life is too short for a boring career, so build an extraordinary one with us. We believe your career should spark the same thrill and curiosity as your personal interests. Creativity drives everything we do, turning ideas into meaningful impact. With opportunities across brands, markets, and divisions, your growth knows no boundaries.

Who We Are

Join us at L'Oreal, the world's #1 beauty company present in over 150 markets. For over a century, we have been transforming; fueled by data, tech, innovation, and science. Together, we tackle big challenges while making sure we stay committed to making the world a more inclusive and a better place for everyone & our planet.

At L'Oreal Research & Innovation we are pushing the boundaries of Science & Tech. We invest heavily in cutting-edge research, leveraging advanced technologies to understand skin, hair, and microbiome, while discovering new active ingredients and launching outperforming formulas. Our 3,500 L'Oreal R&I experts leverage Science & Technology to invent safe, trustable, sustainable & responsible beauty products and experiences that will change people's lives.

Inside the LUXE Makeup Formulation Development team, we transform scientific discoveries and consumer aspirations into innovative products that exceed performance expectations for our most iconic luxury brands. We are seeking a talented and innovative Senior Chemist II to lead the creative and technical aspects of developing and commercializing disruptive face makeup. In this role, you will ensure the scalable quality and performance of all products from conception to market launch and beyond, while maintaining a deep awareness of scientific literature, patents, and emerging consumer trends to drive efficiency and innovation.

A Day in the Life:

• Product & Technology Creation: Design formulas and collaborate on packaging to explore the full potential of disruptive innovations. Recommend clinically efficacious active ingredients to meet product concepts and deliver targeted performance attributes.
• Digitalization & AI: Leverage predictive formulation tools to design in-silico and in-vitro testing plans, identifying formula prototypes with agility and precision.
• End-to-End Project Management: Take full ownership of projects from initial conception through to post-market launch surveillance, ensuring all deadlines and milestones are met.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Marketing, Packaging, Scale-up, Manufacturing, and Raw Material suppliers to identify technologies with high-value potential for cosmetic applications.
• Upstream to Downstream Transition: Work closely with upstream Application Domain labs to ensure a smooth transition of new technologies into the development pipeline.
• Problem Solving & Resourcefulness: Apply creativity to resolve issues during development and anticipate challenges that may arise during scale-up or manufacturing.
• Technical Communication: Communicate and present new technologies and product performance to Marketing and R&I stakeholders at regular strategic meetings.
• Market & Competitor Intelligence: Maintain a deep working knowledge of consumer need gaps, marketing trends, and the competitive patent landscape.
• Mentorship & Laboratory Management: Train and mentor junior chemists while overseeing a safe, orderly, and high-performing laboratory environment.

We Are Looking For: You are a creative, self-motivated scientist with a passion for face makeup and a strong drive for technological excellence.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or related sciences is required. A Master's or Ph.D. in a natural science or engineering is a plus.
• Experience:
  • 5-7+ years of experience in cosmetics or makeup formulation development is required
  • Specific experience in face makeup development and hands-on formulation of emulsions is highly preferred.
  • Experience with OTC regulations and formulating SPF/sun-care products is a significant plus.
• Skills & Attributes:
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a sense of urgency, initiative, and flexibility.
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
  • Must be willing to apply and wear face makeup products daily (primer, foundation, concealer, setting spray, etc.) as part of the evaluation process.
  • Creative "outside the box" thinker with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• The ability to be onsite, in the office as this is an essential function of the position (required)
• Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time, permanent, ongoing basis without the need for legal sponsorship now or in the future (required)

What's In It For You

• A place for you to leave your comfort zone and grow beyond your potential (here, you'll be encouraged to try new things and take risks!)
• Real responsibility from day 1, there's no sitting on the sidelines at L'Oreal
• An environment where people of every ethnicity, social background, age, religion, gender and sexual orientation as well as people with disabilities are accepted, can speak up, will thrive and are celebrated!
• A place where you can contribute to something bigger! Many of our brands have societal /environmental causes to make concrete difference
• Competitive Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)
• Base Salary Range: $90,200 - $128,500 (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level)
• Hybrid Work Policy (up to 2 days Work From Home for eligible roles, subject to manager approval)
• Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)
• Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L'Oreal's Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)
• Learning and Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
• Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
• Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs

Don't meet every single requirement? At L'Oreal, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with the qualifications listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We're committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual's gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio-economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.