Cosmetic Chemist

A Cosmetic Chemist develops products used in the beauty industry such as skin creams and make up. You’ll trial new products in various colours and come up with solutions to a range of personal care needs. Cosmetic Chemists usually work for a cosmetic company as part of a product development team. You might specialise in a particular product range such as hair care or moisturisers, or you may work on a wider range of products.

Cosmetic Chemists should be passionate about the beauty industry and enjoy working on new products. You’ll need to have excellent attention to detail and have good problem solving abilities. Cosmetic Chemists need strong observational skills and must be able to work as part of a team.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $88,400
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a cosmetic chemist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced

Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $23,322
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Quality Control Analyst Chemist Analytical Chemist
Environmental Chemist Chemistry Teacher Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist Materials Scientist
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Quality Control Analyst Chemist Analytical Chemist Environmental Chemist Chemistry Teacher Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist Materials Scientist + 5 more

Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry)
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $151,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Biochemist Biomedical Scientist Biotechnologist
Medical Researcher Cosmetic Chemist Tissue Engineer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Biochemist Biomedical Scientist Biotechnologist Medical Researcher Cosmetic Chemist Tissue Engineer + 3 more

Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $123,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Analytical Chemist Chemist Environmental Chemist
Industrial Chemist Medical Chemist Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist Physical Scientist Forensic Chemist Medicinal Chemist Materials Scientist Laboratory Scientist Science Technician Nanoscientist Chemistry Teacher
+ 12 more

Bachelor of Science (Medicinal Chemistry)
Blended
3 years
$22,032 - $27,900
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmaceutical Scientist Analytical Chemist Medicinal Chemist
Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmaceutical Scientist Analytical Chemist Medicinal Chemist Cosmetic Chemist Research and Development Chemist + 2 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Research and Development Chemist

A Research and Development Chemist designs and tests new products across industries, focusing on safety and effectiveness while working in teams.

Avg yearly income $88,400
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much does a Cosmetic Chemist earn?

In Australia, a full time Cosmetic Chemist generally earns $1,700 per week ($88,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for a Cosmetic Chemist?

The number of people working in this industry has decreased over the last five years. There are currently 3,700 people employed in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Cosmetic Chemist. Cosmetic Chemists may find work in all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Cosmetic Chemist?

If a career as a Cosmetic Chemist interests you, consider enrolling in a Diploma of Personal Care Formulation. This course will give you the skills to create personal care products for the face, body and hair. You’ll also learn to prepare technical documents that support the safety and performance claims of your products.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

What can you do with an Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science?

10th January 2022

Most popular hair and beauty courses

21st June 2022

How to get into beauty therapy

20th June 2020

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