Given everything I’ve talked about, some of you may have wondered how to go about a career Cosmetic Chemistry. I know I definitely caught some of the ladies’ attention. Well, the path to being a Formulations Chemist in this industry is well-paved, if trying at times due to coworkers and customers alike. If you’re just starting college, or want to make a career transition in your 20s or 30s, this career track is a fulfilling one, while providing plenty of opportunities for fun, creativity, travel, and forging connections. So, how do you become a Chemist, and a successful one at that, in this industry?
- STEM degree– A degree in STEM goes a long way to getting hired as a Chemist in the beauty industry. The emphasis goes in this order: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, and so on. As long as you understand and can apply the scientific method to design of experiments, know your Ochem and Genchem as well as some Pchem, and can do algebra, you’ll be fine. The big brands such as L’Oreal, Unilever, Proctor & Gamble, etc. tend to hire graduates from East Coast universities while big name contract manufacturers (CMs) such as Aware Beauty, Thibiant, Cosmetic Labs of America, etc. tend to hire graduates on the West Coast. Companies like SEED Beauty and Jafra hire from the West Coast as well and there are big CMs on the East Coast too (Bentley Labs, Englewood Labs, Kolmar, you get the point).
- Active participation– demonstrating that you’re serious about a career in the cosmetics industry is crucial. Consider joining the local chapter of Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) and networking more than the poor step-cousin at a rich people’s gathering. Knowledge will get you the job. Networking will get you in the building, so network. College students get huge discounts on symposiums, trade shows, and seminars. Those already in the industry get a discounted meals, access to free webinars, and opportunities to socialize with big names in the field. If it suits your personality, run for office of your local SCC chapter. Being a part of the community shows initiative, commitment, and passion.
- Choose your niche– do you want to work for a brand or CM? Conventional or natural products?
- Brand or CM: Each have their pros and cons.
- Brand– the pros are better pay, name recognition, specialization in your role (you become really good at one or two things), and better benefits. The cons are limited exposure to the product types in the industry and limited room for growth.
- CM– the pros are exposure to a wide array of product types from balms to D-phase emulsions and opportunities to grow in various aspects of the business. The cons are typically lower pay and the benefits are less appealing.
- Conventional or natural: depends on your personality type
- Conventional: most Chemists will work with traditional, conventional raw materials their entire career or for near all of it. By conventional RMs I mean PEGs, formaldehyde releasers, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, non-sustainable materials. Here’s a secret, this is actually the easier of the routes and more stimulating as you get to play with the whole spectrum of RMs available to the industry
- Natural/green: for some, this might be restrictive. For others like me, it’s an opportunity to be creative and innovative with RMs that are sustainable, biodegradable, and have the performance of their traditional counterparts. You’d be surprised at what you can create with green alternatives. The imagination (and budget) are the limits.
- Brand or CM: Each have their pros and cons.
- Internships– they help, and can be the deciding factor in being hired for R&D or not. Without internships, the path most likely will involve working in QC first, then making your way in to Formulations. A sub-point is having patience.
- Learn– simple and straightforward as Newton’s Laws of Motion (well, much simpler than that); always be learning about new technologies, new trends, better mixing techniques, new blends for fragrances. It will keep you at the forefront of the industry, and with apt networking, the right people will notice.
It’s my sincere wish that those who are serious about a career in Cosmetic Chemistry learned something from this post. Being a Formulations Chemist is a joy, it’s fulfilling, and brings satisfaction knowing that someone enjoyed using a formula, a product you created. That’s your contribution to the world. Who knows. Maybe in 5 years, after you’ve established your career as a Chemist in the industry, I might be purchasing your product as I’m buying a body wash or shampoo at Target.
Happy Labor Day everyone. Be sure to spend time with your loved ones.
Greengen Labs 