NPD Research Scientist – Skincare

About the RoleWe're a fast-growing, science-led skincare brand building a strong new-product pipeline. We're looking for an exceptional NPD Research Scientist to own the bench-to-batch development of our products. This is a purely technical, lab-based role you are the scientist behind the product, not the person marketing it.You'll decide what a product should be at a formulation level the actives, the base, the texture, the stability and take it from concept brief through prototype, testing, and pilot/scale-up handover. If you love the lab, believe in clean-yet-effective formulation, and want real ownership over what a growing brand launches, this is for you.Key ResponsibilitiesNew Product Development (core)Convert product concept briefs into technical development plans define formulation strategy, active systems, and target performance for each new product.Design, formulate, and iterate prototypes at the bench across categories: face care (serums, cleansers, masks, sunscreen, toners, eye cream), hair care, body care, and lip care.Evaluate and work with natural/plant-based actives and modern actives (bakuchiol, peptides, niacinamide, AHAs/BHAs, botanical extracts) to build differentiated products.Help shape the product roadmap — recommend what new products and categories the brand can credibly launch based on ingredient science and formulation feasibility.Lab, Testing & ValidationPlan and run stability testing (accelerated & real-time), compatibility, pH, viscosity, and preservative-efficacy (challenge) testing.Coordinate safety, efficacy, and claim-support testing with internal and external labs (dermatological testing, SPF testing for sun care, in-vitro/in-vivo where relevant).Troubleshoot formulation issues emulsion stability, phase separation, discoloration, odor, actives degradation and resolve them at the bench.Maintain rigorous documentation: formulation records, batch records, lab notebooks, specs, and development reports.Scale-up & HandoverSupport pilot batches and scale-up trials; work with manufacturing to ensure lab formulas translate reliably to bulk production.Define raw-material specs, finished-product specs, and SOPs for new formulations.Partner with QC/QA on release specifications and method development.Regulatory & Compliance (technical)Ensure formulations comply with applicable regulations (CDSCO/BIS for India, plus target-market norms like EU/US where relevant) ingredient limits, restrictions, and technical labeling inputs.Uphold clean-formulation standards (paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, pregnancy-safe) while keeping products effective.Prepare and maintain technical documentation supporting product claims and safety.What We're Looking ForExperience3+ years of hands-on formulation/NPD experience in skincare, personal care, or cosmetics R&D from a brand, contract manufacturer, or ingredient house.A real track record of taking products from concept to launch. (We care more about depth of formulation skill than a specific number of years — genuinely strong candidates are encouraged to apply.)Technical SkillsDeep, practical knowledge of emulsion science, surfactant systems, actives, preservatives, and rheology modifiers.Strong grasp of stability, compatibility, and preservative-efficacy protocols.Familiarity with cosmetic ingredient regulations and INCI nomenclature.Comfort with lab instrumentation (pH meter, viscometer/rheometer, homogenizer, stability chambers, etc.).Ability to read scientific/ingredient literature and translate it into formulation decisions.Bonus: experience formulating with natural/plant-based or protein-based actives.