the B. spot

Good morning B. spot,

A common question that I am always asked is “how can I become a cosmetic chemist”?  Cosmetic Chemistry is a discipline that has many subdivisions.  Not many people know that a Cosmetic Chemistry is more than just creating color cosmetics!  Here is just a listing of things that I have created at my consulting company, Cosmetech Laboratories Inc:

• Face & Body Cleansers
• Feminine Wash
• Face & Body Moisturizers
• Cosmeceuticals
• Stretchmark cream
• Cellulite serums/creams
• hyperpigmentation products
• acne products
• Sunscreens (daily and beach)
• Sunless tanners
• tooth whiteners
• Shampoos
• Conditioners
• Hair Styling Products
• Relaxers
• Pomades
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Antiperspirants
• lip gloss
• lip stick
• foundation
• pressed powder
• Intimate Area (addressing dryness)
• need I go on???

I said all of that to say that when you think of being a cosmetic chemist- broaden your scope!

Now what’s the best way to “break” into the industry?  Here are several suggestions that will help you get you’re foot in the door:

1.  Get a degree in science!   Self explanatory!

2.  Network, network, network!  Join your local chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (www.scconline.org); this is our primary organization and the best way to meet people in the industry.  They also have Continuing Education Classes where you learn the basics that apply to just about every subcategory of Cosmetic Chemistry such as Emulsion Technology or Surfactants or get very specific in different disciplines such as foundations, sunscreens or antiperspirants.  These classes will look good on your resume because it shows that you are committed to learning about the industry and that you take it seriously.   Attend the annual seminars and/or monthly meetings of both the local chapter and the national chapter (if you’re local) so you can meet people and establish lasting (and beneficial) relationships.   Another great organization is Cosmetic Executive Women (www.cew.org); it’s for women of who work in all facets of beauty including marketing, product development and public relations.  Many times it’s all about who you know even if they are not chemists- don’t limit your circle!

3.  Internships still count!  There is nothing like hands-on experience to determine what you like and don’t like.  Contact  Human Resources of companies that interest you and see if they have internships available.   I know that you don’t want to hear this but not all internships have stipends**gasp** My company does not pay interns in money but they get enough hands-on experience to help them determine if this is what kind of career they want.  We have that advantage because we are a consulting company; larger corporations will most likely have you in one area.

4.  Don’t Burn Your Bridges!  People, this goes without saying and is really part of Number 1, however I have been turned off by a lot of “young” people due to their lack of professionalism.  This industry is veeeery small and friendly- we talk!  It would be in your best interest to be cordial so that you increase your chances of success!  When we interview someone that we like but they don’t fit what we are looking for, we will pass your information on to our colleagues with open positions- we have done it many times.

5.  Continue your Education!  If you know deep in your heart that you want a career in Cosmetic Chemistry then go ahead, take the plunge and get a MA or MS in Cosmetic Science- even if you just take a couple of courses this will show that you are dedicated to this profession and will stand out on your resume.  It’s also a great way to meet people because many of the students are already in the industry and can tell you who is hiring; most of the professors work in the industry and can be used as a reference.  A couple of schools that offer such a degree are Long Island University- MS in Pharmaceutics/Cosmetic Science and Fairleigh Dickinson University- MA  Science- Concentration in Cosmetic Science.

If you want even more tips, then you can check out Chemist Corner- it’s a site for Cosmetic Chemists by Cosmetic Chemists and will give you a lot of insight into the industry.

I hope this helps you!

Best,

Ni’Kita