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Formulation Scientist Job at Dermatouch in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Dermatouch is hiring a Formulation Scientist in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The role covers formulation development, analytical testing, regulatory compliance, batch manufacturing, and research. Requires a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. and 3-5+ years of experience.
Job Details
Company: Dermatouch
Position: Formulation Scientist
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Key Responsibilities
1. Formulation Development & Optimization
- Develop and optimize formulations for various skincare products, including emulsions (oil-in-water, water-in-oil), gels, serums, suspensions, anhydrous systems, and surfactant-based cleansers.
- Select and balance emulsifiers, humectants, emollients, preservatives, and active ingredients based on stability and efficacy.
- Conduct pre-formulation studies, including solubility analysis, pH optimization, and compatibility testing.
- Perform forced degradation studies to predict formula stability under different conditions.
- Optimize the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) of emulsions for improved consistency and texture.
- Troubleshoot formulation issues such as viscosity drift, phase separation, air entrapment, and active ingredient degradation.
2. Analytical & Performance Testing
- Stability & Compatibility Testing:
- Perform accelerated stability testing at multiple temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 40°C, 45°C, and freeze-thaw cycles).
- Assess phase separation, viscosity changes, pH drift, and microbial contamination over time.
- Conduct oxidative stability testing (e.g., peroxide value analysis) for oil-based formulations.
- Evaluate packaging compatibility for leaching, sorption, and migration of active ingredients.
- Microbiological & Preservative Efficacy Testing:
- Conduct Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET/Challenge Tests) as per USP <51>, ISO 11930, or Ph. Eur. 5.1.3 standards.
- Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to prevent microbial contamination.
- Rheological & Sensory Analysis:
- Perform rheology measurements using viscometers and rheometers to determine shear-thinning or shear-thickening properties.
- Analyze spreadability, adhesion, and absorption rates using texture analyzers.
- Conduct panel testing to assess sensorial attributes such as skin feel, absorption rate, and after-feel effects.
- Active Ingredient Efficacy Testing:
- Measure penetration and bioavailability of active ingredients using Franz Diffusion Cell studies.
- Conduct antioxidant capacity testing using assays like DPPH and ORAC.
- Use High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for ingredient quantification and validation.
3. Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure formulations comply with global cosmetic regulations (e.g., FDA, EU 1223/2009, ASEAN, Health Canada, ISO 22716).
- Maintain detailed Product Information Files (PIF), including formulation composition, safety assessments, and ingredient justifications.
- Develop Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure compliance with REACH and Annex II of EU Cosmetic Regulations.
- Work with toxicologists to conduct Human Repeat Insult Patch Tests (HRIPT) and in-vitro safety assessments.
- Conduct Ingredient Regulatory Reviews to ensure compliance with allowable concentrations and restrictions.
4. Batch Manufacturing & Quality Control
- Batch Manufacturing Record (BMR) Preparation:
- Document raw material batch numbers, weighing logs, and process steps for each batch.
- Ensure all batch formulations align with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
- Record any deviations or formulation adjustments for traceability.
- Master Formula Record (MFR) Creation:
- Develop a standardized master formulation document detailing ingredient percentages, processing parameters, and critical control points.
- Update MFR based on stability study outcomes, scale-up adjustments, and process validation.
- Scale-Up & Manufacturing Support:
- Translate lab-scale formulations into pilot and full-scale production.
- Optimize mixing speeds, shear forces, temperature profiles, and homogenization techniques for reproducibility.
- Collaborate with the manufacturing team to resolve production challenges, such as aeration, ingredient sedimentation, or batch-to-batch variation.
- Conduct first production batch validation and establish acceptance criteria for quality control.
5. Research & Innovation
- Stay updated on emerging skincare trends, novel ingredients, and formulation technologies.
- Research new emulsification techniques, such as high-pressure homogenization, microfluidization, and ultrasonic emulsification.
- Explore the use of biotechnological and green chemistry ingredients, including probiotics, bio-ferments, and plant-derived actives.
- Conduct comparative benchmarking of competitor products to assess performance and innovation opportunities.
- Collaborate with suppliers and R&D teams to source and validate new raw materials with enhanced functional properties.
Required Skills
Technical Skills
- Strong foundation in colloidal chemistry, emulsification science, and surfactant interactions.
- Proficiency in formulation software such as Cosmetic Factory, ChemSketch, and Formulator Software.
- Experience with analytical instrumentation, including:
- HPLC, FTIR, GC-MS (for raw material and preservative analysis).
- Spectrophotometry (for UV-blocking and antioxidant capacity testing).
- Texture Analyzers & Rheometers (for viscoelastic behaviour evaluation).
Soft Skills
- Analytical problem-solving for troubleshooting formulation challenges.
- Strong documentation and record-keeping skills for regulatory compliance.
- Attention to detail in ingredient selection, formulation stability, and batch reproducibility.
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, R&D, and manufacturing.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering.
- 3-5+ years of experience in cosmetic formulation, R&D, or quality control.
- Experience working in GMP-certified or ISO 22716-compliant laboratories.
Additional Information
Benefits:
- A growing skincare brand with a focus on science-backed, dermatologist-led products
- A collaborative work culture where ideas are heard and teamwork is valued
- Opportunities to learn, take ownership, and grow with the company
- Exposure to how a skincare brand works, across teams and functions
- A supportive and inclusive workplace