About The Role
At Tropic, we're on a mission to transform beauty across every category - and hair care is our next major frontier. With bold expansion plans and an ambitious pipeline of innovation, we're redefining what it means to create hair products that are not only high-performance, but also grounded in sustainability and rigorous science.
We're searching for a Principal Scientist - Formulation & Trichology to lead this journey. This is a role for a true hair science expert - someone who understands both the artistry of cosmetic formulation and the biology of hair and scalp. From restoring strength and shine to addressing scalp health and supporting hair growth, you'll be developing advanced, science-led solutions that make a real impact on people's lives.
This isn't just formulation - it's discovery. You'll design breakthrough products, apply trichology expertise, and lead advanced testing that shapes the future of Tropic's hair care innovation. Alongside this, you'll mentor junior chemists, foster scientific excellence, and help establish Tropic as a recognised leader in the global hair science space.
If you're passionate about hair biology, motivated by innovation, and excited by the opportunity to create products loved worldwide, this is your chance to leave a lasting scientific and commercial legacy.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop formulations for hair care products from concept through to commercialisation with thorough understanding on the different hair care formulations and their textures.
* Apply trichology expertise to design solutions that address specific hair and scalp needs.
* Conduct ingredient research, stability studies, and performance evaluations to ensure efficacy and compliance.
* Perform mechanical and physical tests, including tensile strength, combing force (wet & dry), elasticity, and friction coefficient analysis.
* Carrying out surface and structural analysis including SEM, light/confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, glossmeter readings, and colorimetry (ΔE measurement).
* Execute conditioning and manageability tests, including curl and volume retention, static charge evaluation, and slip/conditioning assessments.
* Assess moisture and hydration through water retention studies, moisture content analysis, and scalp TEWL measurements.
* Perform trichology-specific evaluations including hair density and growth measurement, hair diameter measurement, shedding/fall count, and anagen/telogen ratio analysis.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Regulatory, Manufacturing) to ensure product feasibility and compliance.
* Stay ahead of emerging scientific trends, raw materials, and technologies in hair and scalp science.
* Mentor junior chemists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement.
What We're Looking For
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field (PhD a plus).
* A minimum of 10-15 years' experience in developing and testing hair care formulations, with a proven track record of successful product launches.
* Strong knowledge of trichology principles, with deep understanding of hair and scalp biology.
* Expertise in choosing the right raw materials, ensuring formulation stability, and navigating regulatory requirements and compliance.
* A creative problem solver with a passion for innovation, strong analytical ability, and sharp attention to detail.
What We Offer
* Employment Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
* Location: This role is on-site, 5 days per week at our Tropic HQ (a short walk from Beddington Lane Tram stop, with direct links to East Croydon and Wimbledon)
* Salary: Competitive
* Benefits: Generous annual leave, 24/7 well-being support, discounted gym membership, pension scheme, enhanced maternity/paternity leave (after qualifying period), exclusive skincare collection, 50% discount for family and friends, annual product allowance, free breakfast bar, access to retailer discounts, social events, well-being treats, on-site parking, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
* Start Date: January 2026
About Tropic
Susie, our Founder and CEO, started Tropic as a teenager, selling homemade body scrubs at Greenwich Market to help her mum pay the bills. She sold out on her first day, sparking what would become one of the UK's fastest-growing beauty businesses.
Today, our range includes award-winning skincare, body care, hair care, and makeup products that are all vegan, cruelty-free, and CarbonNeutral. Our infinite purpose is simple but powerful: to help create a healthier, greener, more empowered world – and every team member plays a part in making that vision a reality.
Tropic's Commitment to Equal Opportunities
We're proud to be a diverse team, and we work hard to make everyone feel welcome and valued. At Tropic, we never discriminate, and we provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities at every stage of the hiring process.
Ultimately, we're looking for the best person for the job – so if you've got the skills, the passion, and the drive, we'd love to hear from you