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- Tasks: Lead formulation projects and optimise existing products for skincare, haircare, and bath & body.
- Company: Join The Body Shop, a brand committed to positive social and environmental impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in product excellence while working with innovative teams.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field and 3-5 years of formulation experience.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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The Body Shop is committed to generating positive economic, social and environmental impact. We’re fighting for what we believe in now more than ever. No holding back. Breaking the mould has always come naturally to us, and we need someone who’s not afraid to mix things up.
Your role in a nutshell
Do you have hands-on formulation experience, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative mindset to drive continuous improvement and ensure product excellence?
We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Cosmetic Formula Chemist to support the maintenance and optimization of our existing product portfolio across skincare, haircare, and bath & body categories. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the continued success of our iconic products by leading reformulation, troubleshooting, compliance updates, and cost-saving initiatives. You will also contribute to VRE projects through open innovation, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products that reflect The Body Shop’s values and meet evolving consumer expectations.
More about the role
Formula External Development & Maintenance
- Lead formulation projects with external partners from brief to launch, ensuring safety, performance, and brand alignment.
- Brief external partners (vendors, labs, manufacturers, academia) on formulation requirements and scope.
- Evaluate sample sensoriality, conformity and ensure timely feedback and iteration.
- Support external partners as required to successful industrialization and scale-up.
Existing Product Development & Optimization
- Support reformulation and improvement of existing products to enhance performance, compliance, or consumer experience.
- Lead troubleshooting efforts for in-market products, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions from Formula perspective.
- Ensure cohesive partnership with all parties in managing timelines, risks, and backup plans to secure launch readiness. Ensure timely execution and documentation of all required tests (stability, safety, challenge, etc.).
- Efficiently use available tools and systems to maintain accurate records and official documentation across development phases in a timely manner.
Technical Analysis & Support
- Conduct technical data analysis to support risk assessments and business decisions.
- Provide expert input on formulation-related issues and propose corrective actions.
- Build relationships with internal teams (Brand, Packaging, Safety, Procurement, etc.) and external partners.
- Ensure smooth flow of information and samples across all stakeholders.
- Represent R&D in cross-functional meetings and project reviews.
- Propose processes improvements where applicable.
What we look for
Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of cosmetic formulation and product development processes; Strong understanding of safety, stability, and regulatory testing
Project & Process Management
Skilled in managing multiple projects with tight timelines and cross-functional coordination; Ability to assess risks, plan contingencies, and ensure launch readiness;
Analytical & Problem Solving
Sharp analytical thinking for evaluating samples, test results, and technical data; Solution-oriented mindset for troubleshooting formulation and production issues
Excellent written and verbal communication for internal and external stakeholder engagement; Strong interpersonal skills to build partnerships with vendors, labs, and cross-functional teams
Passion for exploring new formats, technologies, and consumer-driven solutions;
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry / Cosmetic Science / Pharmacy
- Knowledge of technical English
- 3-5 years of proven experience in cosmetic formulation development, ideally within a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment
- Demonstrated success in leading product development projects from concept to launch
- Hands-on experience collaborating with external partners such as vendors, laboratories, and contract manufacturers
- Strong background in managing formulation testing (stability, safety, challenge, contaminants) and production scale-up
- Familiarity with regulatory standards and documentation processes in the cosmetics industry
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Formula Chemist employer: The Body Shop
Contact Detail:
The Body Shop Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Formula Chemist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Formula Chemist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and recent trends in cosmetic formulation. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Bring samples of your work or case studies to interviews. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects, especially in product development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our values at The Body Shop.
We think you need these skills to ace Formula Chemist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for cosmetic formulation! Share your experiences and what drives you in this field. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about mixing things up and making a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at The Body Shop, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Body Shop
✨Know Your Formulations
Brush up on your knowledge of cosmetic formulations and product development processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully led formulation projects or tackled challenges in product optimisation.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical thinking by discussing how you've evaluated samples and test results in previous roles. Think of a time when you identified a problem and proposed a solution, as this will highlight your problem-solving abilities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, be prepared to share how you've built relationships with external partners and internal teams in the past.
✨Embrace Innovation
The Body Shop values innovation, so come equipped with ideas on new formats or technologies you've explored. Show your passion for consumer-driven solutions and how you can contribute to their mission of continuous improvement.
