stephanellia

Cosmetic Research & Development Chemist

Beauty With Class • Freelance

Jul 2026 - Present • 1 mo

Over the past several years, I have worked as a specialized cosmetic chemist, developing custom, high-performance formulations for independent beauty brands, startups, and established personal care companies. My work focuses on taking raw beauty concepts from initial research and development all the way to market-ready, scalable manufacturing documentation. I have successfully formulated across four core personal care sectors: Skincare: Developed clinical-grade serums, AHA/BHA exfoliants, barrier-repair moisturizers, cleansers, and broad-spectrum mineral SPFs. Haircare: Formulated sulfate-free cleansing systems, deep conditioners, scalp detox scrubs, and lightweight hair growth oils. Eyecare: Crafted delicate under-eye gels, peptide-rich dark circle treatments, and lash-conditioning serums tailored for sensitive areas. Nail Care: Created high-potency cuticle oils, nail-strengthening treatments, and protective hand masks. Core Areas of Expertise Cosmetic Chemistry & Active Synergy: Deep knowledge of active ingredients (Retinol, Vitamin C, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide) and how to pair them for maximum stability and performance. Emulsification & Texture Optimization: Skilled in creating stable oil-in-water (O/W), water-in-oil (W/O), and anhydrous formulas with luxurious skin-feel. Preservation & Product Safety: Expert in selecting mild, broad-spectrum preservative systems suitable for sensitive skin while guaranteeing micro-stability and extended shelf life. Regulatory & INCI Compliance: Ensuring all formulas adhere to strict global cosmetic standards (FDA, EU Regulations, and ISO guidelines). Manufacturing Scale-Up: Crafting precise, step-by-step compounding procedures so formulas transition smoothly from small-batch lab testing to full contract manufacturing.