Your role in a nutshell
Do you have hands-on formulation experience, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative mindset to drive continuous improvement and ensure product excellence?
We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Cosmetic Formula Chemist to support the maintenance and optimization of our existing product portfolio across skincare, haircare, and bath & body categories. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the continued success of our iconic products by leading reformulation, troubleshooting, compliance updates, and cost-saving initiatives. You will also contribute to VRE projects through open innovation, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products that reflect The Body Shop’s values and meet evolving consumer expectations
More about the role
Formula External Development & Maintenance
- Lead formulation projects with external partners from brief to launch, ensuring safety, performance, and brand alignment.
- Brief external partners (vendors, labs, manufacturers, academia) on formulation requirements and scope.
- Evaluate sample sensoriality, conformity and ensure timely feedback and iteration.
- Support external partners as required to successful industrialization and scale-up
Existing Product Development & Optimization
1. Support reformulation and improvement of existing products to enhance performance, compliance, or consumer experience.
2. Lead troubleshooting efforts for in-market products, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions from Formula perspective.
3. Support regulatory updates and raw material substitutions to maintain compliance and continuity.
•Project Coordination & Productivity
- Ensure cohesive partnership with all parties in managing timelines, risks, and backup plans to secure launch readiness. Ensure timely execution and documentation of all required tests (stability, safety, challenge, etc.).
- Efficiently use available tools and systems to maintain accurate records and official documentation across development phases in a timely manner.
•Technical Analysis & Support
- Conduct technical data analysis to support risk assessments and business decisions.
- Provide expert input on formulation-related issues and propose corrective actions.
•Collaboration & Communication
- Build relationships with internal teams (Brand, Packaging, Safety, Procurement, etc.) and external partners.
- Ensure smooth flow of information and samples across all stakeholders.
- Represent R&D in cross-functional meetings and project reviews.
- Propose processes improvements where applicable
What we look for
Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of cosmetic formulation and product development processes; Strong understanding of safety, stability, and regulatory testing
Project & Process Management
Skilled in managing multiple projects with tight timelines and cross-functional coordination; Ability to assess risks, plan contingencies, and ensure launch readiness;
Competent in using development tools like MS Project, Power BI.
Analytical & Problem Solving
Sharp analytical thinking for evaluating samples, test results, and technical data; Solution-oriented mindset for troubleshooting formulation and production issues
Communication & Collaboration
Excellent written and verbal communication for internal and external stakeholder engagement; Strong interpersonal skills to build partnerships with vendors, labs, and cross-functional teams
Innovation & Creativity
Passion for exploring new formats, technologies, and consumer-driven solutions;
Qualifications and Experience-
•Bachelor’s degree level in Chemistry / Cosmetic science/ Pharmacy •Knowledge of technical English •3-5 years of proven experience in cosmetic formulation development, ideally within a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment •Demonstrated success in leading product development projects from concept to launch •Hands-on experience collaborating with external partners such as vendors, laboratories, and contract manufacturers •Strong background in managing formulation testing (stability, safety, challenge, contaminants) and production scale-up •Familiarity with regulatory standards and documentation processes in the cosmetics industry
Talent Drivers
Collaborative SkillsPersonal ConductPurpose