5 answers
Roberto
Student
Lazio, Lazio, Italy
1
Question
Updated
1096 views
Which degrees would you recommend for someone who's interested in Chemistry and the Beauty / Luxury Goods Industry (Cosmetics/Pharmaceuticals/Textiles...) ?
I'm applying for Chemical Engineering in uni - I’m choosing this path because I love chemistry and I want a degree that leads to a high earning career, specifically in the beauty and cosmetics industry (like L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, etc.).
However, I've been told by current students that the math and physics are really hard, and I'm scared that I will drop out since I'm not the best at these subjects. Also, they claim that there isn't much chem in the degree anyway.
I'm mainly choosing ChemE for the salary (as opposed to a regular chem degree), and for it being a 'general' engineering degree which allows for branching out into varying industries.
I would like to work in a fun, sensory, and creative environment, collaborating with marketing and design teams, rather than sitting behind a computer doing stressful heavy simulation or structural modeling... Yet I feel like that's incompatible with the salaries I want.
So which degree or studies would you recommend for me?
Thanks!
5 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1407
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Robert,
I think the most important thing is to figure out what kind of work you want to do after graduation, not just which degree sounds the most impressive or has the highest average salary.
From what you've described, you seem genuinely interested in the creative side of the beauty industry. Things like developing products, working with fragrances and textures, understanding consumer preferences, and collaborating with marketing teams. That's quite different from what many Chemical Engineers do on a day-to-day basis.
Chemical Engineering can lead to excellent careers and strong salaries, but the students warning you about the math and physics aren't wrong. Most programs are heavily focused on calculus, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, process design, and manufacturing systems. There is chemistry involved, but often in the context of large-scale industrial production rather than creating new cosmetic products.
If you're excited by skincare, makeup, fragrances, and product development, I'd encourage you to look closely at Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Science, or Materials Science. Many cosmetic formulators and product development scientists come from these backgrounds. These fields tend to be much closer to the science behind the products consumers actually use.
I'd also spend some time looking at job titles rather than degree titles. Search for roles such as Cosmetic Chemist, Formulation Scientist, Product Development Scientist, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, and Product Manager at beauty companies. Look at the educational backgrounds of people already doing those jobs. That can give you a much clearer picture than university marketing materials.
One thing I'd be careful about is choosing a degree mainly because of salary. A degree that fits your interests and strengths often leads to better long-term outcomes than one that pays well on paper but leaves you struggling through the coursework or uninterested in the work itself.
Based on what you've written, a chemistry-focused path sounds like it may align better with the career you're actually imagining. It's still possible to build a successful and well-paid career in the beauty industry without becoming a Chemical Engineer.
Best wishes!
I think the most important thing is to figure out what kind of work you want to do after graduation, not just which degree sounds the most impressive or has the highest average salary.
From what you've described, you seem genuinely interested in the creative side of the beauty industry. Things like developing products, working with fragrances and textures, understanding consumer preferences, and collaborating with marketing teams. That's quite different from what many Chemical Engineers do on a day-to-day basis.
Chemical Engineering can lead to excellent careers and strong salaries, but the students warning you about the math and physics aren't wrong. Most programs are heavily focused on calculus, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, process design, and manufacturing systems. There is chemistry involved, but often in the context of large-scale industrial production rather than creating new cosmetic products.
If you're excited by skincare, makeup, fragrances, and product development, I'd encourage you to look closely at Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Science, or Materials Science. Many cosmetic formulators and product development scientists come from these backgrounds. These fields tend to be much closer to the science behind the products consumers actually use.
I'd also spend some time looking at job titles rather than degree titles. Search for roles such as Cosmetic Chemist, Formulation Scientist, Product Development Scientist, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, and Product Manager at beauty companies. Look at the educational backgrounds of people already doing those jobs. That can give you a much clearer picture than university marketing materials.
One thing I'd be careful about is choosing a degree mainly because of salary. A degree that fits your interests and strengths often leads to better long-term outcomes than one that pays well on paper but leaves you struggling through the coursework or uninterested in the work itself.
Based on what you've written, a chemistry-focused path sounds like it may align better with the career you're actually imagining. It's still possible to build a successful and well-paid career in the beauty industry without becoming a Chemical Engineer.
Best wishes!
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
240
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Robert,
Thank you very much for this question. Let's start by looking at the fundamentals. Throughout human history, engineering has always focused on meeting human needs. This approach puts you on a sound footing in your career. Our noble desire should be making our world a better place to live in. It is also important to love and enjoy what you do - consideration should be given to them when choosing a career. Obviously, being able to earn a decent living from one's work is important. The truth is that meeting important human needs can easily guarantee you sustainable financial freedom irrespective of the endeavor you engage in. Eventually, your earnings will be influenced by your level of expertise in your field of study. Excellence in your academics and career is paramount.
Chemistry and mathematics are critical for chemical engineering. They also provide a pathway to studies in pharmacy.
As human beings, we are generally good at different things - math may be challenging to some people whereas others may be comfortable with it. From my experience, approaching mathematical fields of study from first principles can make things a lot easier. Besides, proficiency in high school is usually sufficient for one to successfully complete a course at university level.
I hope you find this useful. Good luck in your studies.
Thank you very much for this question. Let's start by looking at the fundamentals. Throughout human history, engineering has always focused on meeting human needs. This approach puts you on a sound footing in your career. Our noble desire should be making our world a better place to live in. It is also important to love and enjoy what you do - consideration should be given to them when choosing a career. Obviously, being able to earn a decent living from one's work is important. The truth is that meeting important human needs can easily guarantee you sustainable financial freedom irrespective of the endeavor you engage in. Eventually, your earnings will be influenced by your level of expertise in your field of study. Excellence in your academics and career is paramount.
Chemistry and mathematics are critical for chemical engineering. They also provide a pathway to studies in pharmacy.
As human beings, we are generally good at different things - math may be challenging to some people whereas others may be comfortable with it. From my experience, approaching mathematical fields of study from first principles can make things a lot easier. Besides, proficiency in high school is usually sufficient for one to successfully complete a course at university level.
I hope you find this useful. Good luck in your studies.
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
325
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
The current students are right: Chemical Engineering is actually "Process Engineering." It is about 80% math and physics (fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer) and very little actual chemistry. If you want a creative, sensory role in luxury/cosmetics without heavy engineering simulations, Chemical Engineering is the wrong fit.
You can absolutely achieve a high-paying, creative career in the beauty and luxury goods industry without a ChemE degree. Here are the best alternative degrees that blend chemistry with luxury, cosmetics, and textiles:
1. The Direct Routes (Formulation & Cosmetics)
If you want to create the actual product (lipsticks, luxury skincare, perfumes) and work closely with marketing teams:
BSc / MS in Cosmetic Science: This is a specialized chemistry degree. It skips heavy engineering physics and focuses entirely on the chemistry of emulsions, surfactants, and raw materials. It leads directly to Formulation Chemist or Product Development roles at companies like L'Oréal or Estée Lauder.
BSc in Chemistry + Master’s in Cosmetic Science / Luxury Management: A standard Chemistry degree keeps your options open, is less math-heavy than engineering, and allows you to specialize later.
2. The Luxury Goods & Materials Route (Textiles & Fashion)
If you are interested in the high-end textile, fashion, or leather luxury sectors (e.g., LVMH, Chanel):
BSc in Textile Chemistry / Polymer Science: This explores how dyes, fibers, and smart materials interact. It is highly creative and visual, focusing on the sensory feel (hand-feel, sheen, durability) of luxury fabrics rather than industrial plant design.
3. The "High-Salary" Creative Compromise
If you still want a high-paying corporate title but hate heavy physics, consider bridging Science and Business right from the start:
BSc in Chemistry / Cosmetic Science + MBA: The highest-paid people in luxury beauty aren't always the engineers; they are the Technical Product Managers, Brand Managers, and R&D Directors who understand both the science of the lab and the psychology of marketing.
High-Paying Career Titles to Target (No ChemE Required)
These roles pay incredibly well in the luxury sector and match your desire for a collaborative, sensory environment:
Product Development Manager: Acts as the bridge between the science lab and the marketing team to launch new skincare/makeup lines.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensures luxury products meet international safety standards (highly paid, stable, zero math).
Fragrance / Flavor Chemist (Perfumer): A highly elite, lucrative, and deeply sensory career path combining organic chemistry with creative artistry.
Summary Recommendation: Switch your application from Chemical Engineering to a BSc in Chemistry or a dedicated Cosmetic Science program. You will save yourself from failing physics, get to do actual chemistry, and enter the luxury industry through the product development door.
You can absolutely achieve a high-paying, creative career in the beauty and luxury goods industry without a ChemE degree. Here are the best alternative degrees that blend chemistry with luxury, cosmetics, and textiles:
1. The Direct Routes (Formulation & Cosmetics)
If you want to create the actual product (lipsticks, luxury skincare, perfumes) and work closely with marketing teams:
BSc / MS in Cosmetic Science: This is a specialized chemistry degree. It skips heavy engineering physics and focuses entirely on the chemistry of emulsions, surfactants, and raw materials. It leads directly to Formulation Chemist or Product Development roles at companies like L'Oréal or Estée Lauder.
BSc in Chemistry + Master’s in Cosmetic Science / Luxury Management: A standard Chemistry degree keeps your options open, is less math-heavy than engineering, and allows you to specialize later.
2. The Luxury Goods & Materials Route (Textiles & Fashion)
If you are interested in the high-end textile, fashion, or leather luxury sectors (e.g., LVMH, Chanel):
BSc in Textile Chemistry / Polymer Science: This explores how dyes, fibers, and smart materials interact. It is highly creative and visual, focusing on the sensory feel (hand-feel, sheen, durability) of luxury fabrics rather than industrial plant design.
3. The "High-Salary" Creative Compromise
If you still want a high-paying corporate title but hate heavy physics, consider bridging Science and Business right from the start:
BSc in Chemistry / Cosmetic Science + MBA: The highest-paid people in luxury beauty aren't always the engineers; they are the Technical Product Managers, Brand Managers, and R&D Directors who understand both the science of the lab and the psychology of marketing.
High-Paying Career Titles to Target (No ChemE Required)
These roles pay incredibly well in the luxury sector and match your desire for a collaborative, sensory environment:
Product Development Manager: Acts as the bridge between the science lab and the marketing team to launch new skincare/makeup lines.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensures luxury products meet international safety standards (highly paid, stable, zero math).
Fragrance / Flavor Chemist (Perfumer): A highly elite, lucrative, and deeply sensory career path combining organic chemistry with creative artistry.
Summary Recommendation: Switch your application from Chemical Engineering to a BSc in Chemistry or a dedicated Cosmetic Science program. You will save yourself from failing physics, get to do actual chemistry, and enter the luxury industry through the product development door.
Teklemuz Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
681
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz’s Answer
If you're passionate about chemistry and the beauty or luxury goods industry but want to skip heavy math, think about studying Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Materials Science, or Polymer Science. These fields can lead you to exciting careers with companies like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder. Biochemistry and Industrial Chemistry are also great for roles in ingredient research, product safety, and manufacturing. To make the best choice, try to get hands-on experience through workshops, internships, shadowing, volunteering, and talking with teachers or industry experts. This will help you see what the work is really like and guide you on your path.
Michael Trocchia
Supply Chain Director
93
Answers
Mine Hill Township, New Jersey
Updated
Michael’s Answer
I think your expectations are not aligned with the reality of an engineering degree
A chemical engineering degree is going to require a very high level of proficiency in math/calculus and physics and chemistry
You really won’t find a tougher undergraduate curriculum
If you are not up to the task you should probably choose a business major and go into cosmetics from that angle
A chemical engineering degree is going to require a very high level of proficiency in math/calculus and physics and chemistry
You really won’t find a tougher undergraduate curriculum
If you are not up to the task you should probably choose a business major and go into cosmetics from that angle
Thank you for answering!
While I am willing to put in the effort and possibly getting extra help with the maths - I stay concerned that once having entered the workforce (after graduating) I will not be satisfied with the jobs offered, or that it would feel like I'm 'turning my back' on things that do matter to me in favour for a better salary. I am trying to avoid having a suffocating rigid repetitive career.
Roberto
I'm sure you didn't mean it to sound this way but many of us have spent long careers in Chemical Engineering and don't consider it to be suffocating or rigid or repetitive.
Once you get a degree in a particular field, you can make anything you want out a job opportunity.
The world is your oyster but the price of admission in technical careers is a technical degree.
Michael Trocchia
Oops! I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to sound tactless like that... Thank you and I appreciate your advice and encouragement.
Roberto
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