Scientist - Makeup

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including:
Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M
· A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.

Description We are seeking an R&D Scientist to join our Makeup team. This is a hands-on, lab-based role focused on developing high-performance cosmetic formulations. You will work at the intersection of chemistry, formulation science, and consumer experience—applying scientific rigor to bring products from concept to market.

Key Responsibilities Design, develop, and optimize cosmetic formulations aligned with project briefs and regulatory requirements

Plan and execute structured experiments and analyze data to inform technical decisions

Conduct stability assessments and evaluate formulation robustness and feasibility

Create lab batches, perform shade matching, and support cross-functional submissions

Troubleshoot formulation challenges using scientific and data-driven approaches

Maintain accurate documentation, lab notebooks, and batch records

Monitor stability and escalate risks or anomalies

Communicate project progress, risks, and recommendations

Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure technical readiness

Follow all lab safety, GMP, and compliance standardsA Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry or related scientific field is required.
2+ years relevant experience in a scientific role within the cosmetics industry or a related field (e.g., food, pharmaceutical, or consumer goods).Strong hands-on laboratory and formulation skills

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Highly organized with strong documentation practices

Ability to manage your workstream with a level of moderate independence.

Preferred Skills Experience in color cosmetics (complexion, lip, or eye)
Knowledge of cosmetic raw materials and ingredient interactions

Familiarity with DOE or structured experimental design

Exposure to scale-up or manufacturing

Knowledge of regulatory requirements

QualificationsA Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry or related scientific field is required.
2+ years relevant experience in a scientific role within the cosmetics industry or a related field (e.g., food, pharmaceutical, or consumer goods).Strong hands-on laboratory and formulation skills

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Highly organized with strong documentation practices

Ability to manage your workstream with a level of moderate independence.

Preferred Skills Experience in color cosmetics (complexion, lip, or eye)
Knowledge of cosmetic raw materials and ingredient interactions

Familiarity with DOE or structured experimental design

Exposure to scale-up or manufacturing

Knowledge of regulatory requirements

Pay Range:

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $75,000.00 to $85,000.00. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with the possibility for over achievement based on performance and company  addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance), wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education-related programs, paid holidays and vacation time, and many others.

Many of these benefits are…