Senior Chemist , NYX and Urban Decay Makeup Formulation Development, Research & I

Senior Chemist I, NYX and Urban Decay Makeup Formulation Open Development, L'Oréal Research & Innovation - El Segundo, CA

Life is too short for a boring career, so build an extraordinary one with us. We believe your career should spark the same thrill and curiosity as your personal interests. Creativity drives everything we do, turning ideas into meaningful impact. With opportunities across brands, markets, and divisions, your growth knows no boundaries.

Join us at L’Oréal, the world's #1 beauty company present in over 150 markets. For over a century, we have been transforming; fueled by data, tech, innovation, and science. Together, we tackle big challenges while making sure we stay committed to making the world a more inclusive and a better place for everyone & our planet.

At L’Oréal Research & Innovation we are pushing the boundaries of Science & Tech. We invest heavily in cutting-edge research, leveraging advanced technologies to understand skin, hair, and microbiome, while discovering new active ingredients and launching outperforming formulas. Our 3,500 L'Oréal R&I experts leverage Science & Technology to invent safe, trustable, sustainable & responsible beauty products and experiences that will change people’s lives.

Inside R&I,
Open Development is where our chemists work closely with external manufacturers to develop and refine formulas that meet the innovative and edgy expectations of our consumers. We build strong, international collaborations to ensure that products move seamlessly from inception to launch for iconic brands like Urban Decay.

We are seeking a talented and innovative Senior Chemist I to join our Open Development department in El Segundo. In this role, you are responsible for the technical aspects of developing and homologating cosmetic products specifically for the Urban Decay and NYX brands. You will serve as the technical bridge between external partners and internal stakeholders, ensuring every formula reflects commitments to performance, stability, and disruptive beauty.

• Vendor Collaboration & Launch Execution:
  Work closely with designated vendors to deliver high-performance formulations. You will initiate formula reviews, assure quality and conformity, implement risk mitigation plans, and monitor stability reports.
• Technical Integrity & Compliance:
  Collaborate with vendors' formulation teams and internal Micro, Safety, and Regulatory experts to ensure formulations pass L’Oréal and industry standard tests. Review concepts, formulas, artwork, and documentation for technical accuracy.
• Project Leadership:
  Under minimal supervision, manage multiple projects and timelines for the Urban Decay and NYX brands. You will provide status updates to management and ensure all R&I and Brand requirements are met.
• Claims Orchestration:
  Work with cross-functional teams to objectify data and provide formulation support for claim validation. You will translate results from consumer perception, hydration, and wear studies into actionable business insights.
• Strategic Scouting:
  Identify new raw materials and technologies from both internal labs and external vendors that are suitable for UD’s disruptive product pipeline.
• Communication & Ambassadorship:
  Present technical R&I information to a variety of audiences, including Marketing and vendor partners. You will stay abreast of international regulations affecting product positioning and verbiage.
• Process Improvement:
  Collaborate with the wider Open Development team to lead complex projects that maintain and improve departmental processes or support operational needs.
• Mentorship:
  Provide critical mentorship and training to vendors and support groups to ensure excellence in product quality.

• Education: A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related science is required.
• Experience:
  • 3–5 years of progressive experience in the cosmetics industry with a focus on color cosmetics formulation.
  • Strong background in all makeup categories: lipstick, foundations, eye makeup, hot pours, emulsions, and suspensions.
  • Preference for a "hybrid" background combining formulation…