Also called: Formulation Chemist
Formulates skincare, makeup, shampoo, and sunscreen.
You mix a new moisturizer, test how it spreads, check it stays stable in heat, and send samples to a test panel. Then you tweak the recipe until it feels right.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in chemistry; the University of Cincinnati and a few others offer cosmetic science programs.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Growth is for chemists and materials scientists overall.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI suggests formulas and predicts stability; mixing, feel tests and fixing batches stay hands-on.
Classes: AP Chemistry, Biology, Art.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2031.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.