Product Development Chemist - Avlon

Melrose Park, IL

Product Development Chemist

About the job

Duties & Responsibilities:

Product Formulation & Innovation

· Develop new formulations for haircare and skincare products (e.g., shampoos, conditioners, relaxers, stylers, serums, creams, lotions, treatments).

· Modify and optimize existing formulas to improve performance, stability, cost, or claims.

· Conduct ingredient research and stay updated on emerging trends, raw material technologies, and competitive products.

· Evaluate and approve new raw materials for use in development projects.

Laboratory Testing & Analysis

· Conduct bench-scale experiments, stability testing, and performance testing.

· Analyze physical and chemical properties (pH, viscosity, rheology, conductivity, density, etc.).

· Troubleshoot formulation challenges and provide technical solutions.

· Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, batch sheets, and data summaries.

Scale-Up & Manufacturing Support

· Work with process engineers and production teams to transition new products from lab scale to pilot and full manufacturing scale.

· Write and revise manufacturing instructions and specifications.

· Support plant trials, monitor product quality during scale-up, and resolve formulation-related issues.

Regulatory & Safety Compliance

· Ensure all formulas meet global regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EU, Health Canada).

· Prepare or support documentation for product safety assessments, MSDS, INCI listings, and regulatory submissions.

· Ensure formulas comply with internal quality standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and corporate safety guidelines.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support

· Partner with Marketing to translate product concepts into feasible formulas.

· Provide technical expertise for claims development and substantiation.

· Support Quality Assurance in evaluating non-conformances and implementing corrective actions.

· Participate in project kickoff meetings, timelines, and milestone reviews.

Qualifications:

Education

· Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s degree (preferred) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related field.

Experience

· 2–5+ years of experience in cosmetic formulation, preferably in haircare or skincare.

· Experience working with surfactants, polymers, emulsions, conditioning agents, and active ingredients.

· Knowledge of cosmetic raw materials and supplier technologies.

Skills & Competencies

· Strong understanding of formulation chemistry, stability testing, and product development processes.

· Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Proficiency with lab equipment and common analytical instruments.

Desired Skills and Experience

The ideal Candidates must have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of Skin care formulation experience with a significant knowledge of the cosmetic/personal care products industry. Should have working knowledge of emulsion technology and use of Bioengineering techniques for evaluating the product characteristics. Must have a strong working knowledge of laboratory instrumentations such as TEWL, Skin pH meter, Corneometer, and patch testing with sufficient Computer Skills in SPSS, Chemdraw, & Excel software. Must be organized and able to write project reports.