Cosmetic Formulation Chemist

About the Company We are an early-stage premium personal care start-up focused on creating high-performance, organic products across fragrance, body care, and oral care. The brand is being built around quality, transparency, and modern formulation standards - combining clean ingredients with an elevated sensory experience. We are seeking a Cosmetic Formulation Chemist to join us on a long-term freelance basis and lead the development of our core product line from concept through to production. The Role As the Formulation Chemist, you will be responsible for developing, testing, and refining organic formulations across multiple product categories. This is a hands-on and strategic role, offering the opportunity to shape the technical foundation and product quality of a growing start-up brand. Initial Product Range You will lead formulation across the following products: Natural / organic perfume (50ml, organic alcohol base, IFRA compliant) Sulfate-free shower gel (300ml, natural fragrance only) Fluoride-free or hydroxyapatite toothpaste (75ml) Alcohol-free mouthwash (250ml, clear formula) Soy / coconut wax candle (250g, essential oils only) All products must meet organic / clean formulation standards. Key Responsibilities . Develop safe, stable, and high-performance formulations using organic and naturally derived ingredients . Ensure all formulations comply with relevant regulations (including IFRA and EU/UK cosmetic regulations where applicable) . Source and recommend high-quality raw materials and suppliers . Conduct and oversee stability, compatibility, and performance testing . Optimise formulations for scalability and manufacturing . Collaborate on fragrance direction, texture, and overall user experience . Support documentation including INCI lists, safety data, and regulatory files . Work closely with the founding team to align on product vision and quality standards Requirements . Proven experience as a cosmetic or formulation chemist, ideally within natural / organic products . Strong understanding of cosmetic chemistry, ingredient interactions, and formulation stability . Experience with fragrance formulation and IFRA compliance . Knowledge of oral care formulations (toothpaste, mouthwash) is a strong plus . Familiarity with EU/UK cosmetic regulations and safety standards . Experience working with natural preservatives and clean formulation systems . Ability to balance performance, safety, and sensory experience . Strong attention to detail and documentation Nice to Have . Experience launching products from concept to market . Existing relationships with labs, manufacturers, or ingredient suppliers . Passion for clean beauty, wellness, and premium consumer brands . Access to their own Laboratory Facilities What We’re Looking For We’re looking for someone who: . Takes ownership of product quality and formulation . Thinks both scientifically and creatively . Is motivated to build something long-term and high-quality . Understands the importance of brand, experience, and detail Why Join Us . Opportunity to shape a premium start-up brand from the ground up . Long-term collaboration with meaningful creative and commercial impact . Exposure to a diverse and exciting product range . Flexibility and autonomy in how you work Work Location: Remote