Cosmetic Formulation & R&D Specialist

YOU Cosmetics | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire / Ghana-based candidates welcome
Full-time | On-site

About YOU Cosmetics

YOU Cosmetics is an Ivorian beauty brand specializing in natural body care products, including whipped shea butter, body oils, scrubs, lotions and other sensory skincare products.

As we expand our product range and build a structured in-house laboratory, we are looking for a Cosmetic Formulation & R&D Specialist to join our team and lead the scientific development of our products.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new cosmetic formulations from concept to finished product.
• Improve and optimize existing YOU Cosmetics formulas.
• Create laboratory prototypes and conduct formulation trials.
• Develop different product formats including body butters, creams, lotions, oils, scrubs, balms and other body-care products.
• Select and evaluate cosmetic raw materials and ingredients.
• Work with natural oils, shea butter, cocoa butter, botanical ingredients, active ingredients and fragrances.
• Conduct and monitor stability, compatibility and performance testing.
• Troubleshoot formulation issues such as separation, texture, odor, color, oxidation and preservation.
• Prepare and maintain formulation documentation, laboratory records and specifications.
• Support the transition from
• laboratory batches to industrial-scale production (scale-up).
• Work closely with production and quality control teams.
• Establish and maintain laboratory procedures and good manufacturing practices.
• Research new ingredients, technologies and trends in natural and African cosmetics.
• Contribute to the development of innovative products specifically adapted to African skin and consumer needs.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a hands-on scientist who genuinely enjoys formulation and laboratory work, not only theoretical research.

Preferred educational backgrounds:

• MSc/MPhil in Cosmetic Science ⭐
• MSc in Chemistry / Cosmetic Chemistry
• MSc in Biochemistry
• Pharmacy / Pharmaceutical Technology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biotechnology or related scientific discipline

Experience

• Previous experience in cosmetic formulation or product development is highly preferred.
• Experience in skincare, personal care, natural cosmetics or pharmaceutical formulation is an advantage.
• Candidates with strong scientific training and practical laboratory experience may also be considered.

Technical Skills

Required / desirable keywords:

Cosmetic Formulation • Cosmetic Science • Cosmetic Chemistry • Formulation Scientist • Cosmetic Chemist • Product Development • R&D • Skincare Formulation • Personal Care • Natural Cosmetics • Emulsion Technology • Stability Testing • Raw Materials • Quality Control • GMP • ISO 22716 • Scale-Up • Manufacturing • Product Innovation.

YOU Cosmetics Advantage

Experience working with shea butter, cocoa butter, natural oils, botanical ingredients, natural actives, anhydrous formulations, emulsions and sensory body-care products will be a strong advantage.

What We Are Looking For

We want someone who is:

• Hands-on and laboratory-oriented
• Scientific and analytical
• Creative and curious about formulation
• Rigorous and detail-oriented
• Able to troubleshoot formulation challenges
• Comfortable working in an entrepreneurial environment
• Able to work independently and take ownership
• Passionate about building products from lab prototype to commercial production

Important

Candidates do not need to currently hold the exact title “Cosmetic Formulator”. We will consider Chemists, Biochemists, Pharmacists, Pharmaceutical Scientists and Cosmetic Scientists with relevant laboratory and formulation skills.

Location: Accra, Ghana / Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Employment: Full-time
Industry: Cosmetics / Beauty / Personal Care
Department: Research & Development (R&D) / Laboratory

Si vous le souhaitez, je peux :

• Create a step-by-step lab protocol for developing a shea butter body lotion
• Suggest ways to troubleshoot common cosmetic formulation problems mentioned
• Outline a plan to scale up natural body-care products from lab to industrial production