Thinking of becoming a cosmetic chemist? This is a very rewarding career that allows you to create products that help people look and feel better. Enjoy the ability to make innovative cosmetics that are safer and produce better results.

Working as a cosmetic chemist is very fulfilling, but it also takes a lot of hard work. It’s never too early to start planning the route you’ll take to get there.

How to Get a Job as a Cosmetic Chemist

If you want to become a cosmetic chemist, you’ll need to follow these five steps to make your career aspirations a reality:

1. Earn a Degree (or Two):

   Get started by enrolling in a four-year undergraduate program, majoring in chemistry, biology, microbiology, physics or chemical engineering. Consider continuing your education and earning a master’s degree or a PhD. A bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum required education to find work as a cosmetic chemist, but many of the more-prominent companies tend to favor candidates with an advanced degree in cosmetic science.

2. Study the Cosmetics Industry:

   Learn as much as you can about the inner workings of the cosmetics industry, so you can decide where you might want to work. Cosmetic chemists and scientists can work at many different types of companies, such as goods manufacturers, testing laboratories and raw material suppliers. Trade journals like the HAPPI Buyers Guide are a great place to start.

3. Choose Your Focus:

   There are a wide-variety of jobs available for scientists working in the cosmetic industry, so research your options to see what interests you. Choose from jobs like quality control chemist, cosmetic formulator, sales, synthesis chemist, analytical services, process engineering and regulatory scientists.

4. Start Networking:

   Join the industry’s leading professional organization, the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and attend any events hosted by your local chapter. Search other social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, to find other opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Having connections in the industry is a great way to find work.

5. Find Your First Job:

   Put your resume together at the end of your junior year of college or the beginning of your senior year, and start your job search. Consider working with a staffing agency and finding temporary positions to make connections and gain valuable experience to put on your resume.

Looking for new opportunities in the health and beauty industry? Momentum Search Consultants places people in a wide variety of positions, ranging from junior professional to senior executive. Contact us to get started!