Career In The Booming Makeup Industry: How To Become A Cosmetic Chemist

From social media to shopping websites to malls, cosmetics is everywhere - including products such as makeup, lipsticks, mascara and nail polishes.

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Revenue in the Cosmetics market in India amounts to US $6.27 bn in 2023 and the market is expected to grow annually by 2.86%, according to Statista which is a global data and business intelligence platform .

The growth prospect of a career in the cosmetic market in India (and the world) is huge. A Cosmetic Chemist will thus be a lucrative job to hold in today's market.

What does a Cosmetic Chemist do?

A cosmetic chemist, also known variously as a cosmetic scientist and makeup chemist, develops formulas in the laboratory to create makeup and toiletry products. Cosmetic chemists can be responsible for making products such as nail polish, lipstick, lotion, shampoo, sunscreen, body wash etc.

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For someone who is interested in makeup and skincare, and has a Chemistry degree, a Cosmetic Chemist is an apt role for them.

How to become a Cosmetic Chemist?

The following are pre-requisites for the job of a Cosmetic Chemist:

1. Pursue a Science degree in graduation

While Chemistry would be the most desirable degree for a Cosmetic Chemist, the other degrees could be bachelors in chemical engineering, microbiology, biology or physics.

2. Get a postgraduate degree

Companies that hire Cosmetic Chemists prefer people who have completed a Master¡¯s degree or Ph.D. in chemistry or related fields.

It is thus desirable to opt for a postgraduate degree, to widen job opportunities.

3. Gain experience as a lab technician

Post your degree, any professional experience in a laboratory would go a long way in becoming a cosmetic chemist.

Working as a lab technician will train you to manage equipment, while you learn under experienced scientists.

What are careers or jobs in the beauty industry?

• Cosmetic formulator: A Cosmetic formulator creates & develops cosmetic products by following scientific formulas to prepare a mixture of ingredients.
  
  

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• Quality control chemist: A Quality control chemist is responsible for evaluating and maintaining quality control standards in a laboratory, for which they perform routine daily testing and inspections of lab equipment and materials.
  
• Sales: Raw material companies hire sales professionals to pitch their products to different formulators. It is the most suitable job role for people interested in negotiations.
• Research (analytical role): Cosmetic chemists need to conduct research to stay up to date with the current beauty trends and the products consumers buy. Research is necessary for them to analyse which products they would need to produce and to know the market structure.

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