4 answers
shanice
Student
Morrow, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
708 views
How can I become a cosmetic chemist without doing college for four years?
I am a 23-year-old with a passion for cosmetics, and I want to start my brand. Additionally, I am interested in working for a company, but I am uncertain where to begin and feel overwhelmed by the requirements. Does anyone have any advice?
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4 answers
Ariesha E. Bonner, MBA
Oracle Consultant
2
Answers
Conroe, Texas
Updated
Ariesha E.’s Answer
Pursuing a career as a Cosmetic Chemist without a four-year college degree might prove to be a bit tricky. You'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in fields like chemistry, chemical engineering, cosmetic science, pharmaceutical science, biology, or microbiology. Most employers look for a bachelor's degree in chemistry as a basic requirement for an entry-level position as a cosmetic chemist.
If you're unsure about committing to a four-year degree, it might be helpful to explore top-tier colleges for aspiring cosmetic chemists. Some of these include Columbia University in the City of New York, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University. As a cosmetic chemist, having an advanced education usually means a higher salary and access to more lucrative job opportunities.
Whether you’re starting college or finishing up your studies, Access Your Potential Career Readiness and Digital Skills curricula are available to help you grow and discover what you want for your career. For more information:
http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
If you're unsure about committing to a four-year degree, it might be helpful to explore top-tier colleges for aspiring cosmetic chemists. Some of these include Columbia University in the City of New York, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University. As a cosmetic chemist, having an advanced education usually means a higher salary and access to more lucrative job opportunities.
Whether you’re starting college or finishing up your studies, Access Your Potential Career Readiness and Digital Skills curricula are available to help you grow and discover what you want for your career. For more information:
http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
364
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello Shanice,
While the conventional route to becoming a cosmetic chemist often involves a four-year college degree in chemistry or a related field, there are alternative paths you can explore to follow your love for cosmetics and break into the industry. Here are some suggestions:
1. **Online Courses and Certifications:** Consider online courses or certifications in cosmetic science, formulation chemistry, or similar subjects. Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning provide courses that can equip you with the basic knowledge and skills needed in cosmetic chemistry.
2. **Networking and Internships:** Engage with professionals in the cosmetics industry through networking events, online forums, or social media platforms like LinkedIn. Pursue internships or entry-level roles at cosmetic companies to acquire hands-on experience and learn directly from industry experts.
3. **Self-Study and Experimentation:** Utilize resources like textbooks, research papers, and online forums to learn about cosmetic chemistry and formulation techniques. Try making your own cosmetic products at home to gain practical experience and hone your skills.
4. **Specialized Training Programs:** Think about enrolling in specialized training programs or workshops run by cosmetic industry associations or private institutions. These programs often offer concentrated instruction on topics such as cosmetic formulation, product development, and regulatory compliance.
5. **Entrepreneurial Approach:** If you're keen on launching your own cosmetics brand, concentrate on developing your product concepts, conducting market research, and creating prototypes. Tap into resources and support networks for entrepreneurs, such as small business associations or startup incubators, to assist you through the process.
Embarking on a career in cosmetic chemistry without a traditional college degree may demand determination, self-drive, and persistence, but it is feasible to reach your goals through these alternative paths. Be proactive in seeking out educational opportunities, connecting with industry professionals, and acquiring practical experience to pursue your love for cosmetics.
While the conventional route to becoming a cosmetic chemist often involves a four-year college degree in chemistry or a related field, there are alternative paths you can explore to follow your love for cosmetics and break into the industry. Here are some suggestions:
1. **Online Courses and Certifications:** Consider online courses or certifications in cosmetic science, formulation chemistry, or similar subjects. Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning provide courses that can equip you with the basic knowledge and skills needed in cosmetic chemistry.
2. **Networking and Internships:** Engage with professionals in the cosmetics industry through networking events, online forums, or social media platforms like LinkedIn. Pursue internships or entry-level roles at cosmetic companies to acquire hands-on experience and learn directly from industry experts.
3. **Self-Study and Experimentation:** Utilize resources like textbooks, research papers, and online forums to learn about cosmetic chemistry and formulation techniques. Try making your own cosmetic products at home to gain practical experience and hone your skills.
4. **Specialized Training Programs:** Think about enrolling in specialized training programs or workshops run by cosmetic industry associations or private institutions. These programs often offer concentrated instruction on topics such as cosmetic formulation, product development, and regulatory compliance.
5. **Entrepreneurial Approach:** If you're keen on launching your own cosmetics brand, concentrate on developing your product concepts, conducting market research, and creating prototypes. Tap into resources and support networks for entrepreneurs, such as small business associations or startup incubators, to assist you through the process.
Embarking on a career in cosmetic chemistry without a traditional college degree may demand determination, self-drive, and persistence, but it is feasible to reach your goals through these alternative paths. Be proactive in seeking out educational opportunities, connecting with industry professionals, and acquiring practical experience to pursue your love for cosmetics.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Shanice !
You have chosen a most interesting and actually fun career and I would like to give you some advice based on your preference of not going to college for a degree.
If one thing is true it's that it would be very overwhelming for you to start a business without education about business management. I would advise that you seek courses in Business and Business Management first before you create a brand/product. If you get overwhelmed at every stage of the process, it would be because you didn't do structured learning. Needless to say, this goes for almost every form of work you can think of. The best route for this would be college, but you've stated that you did not want to do that. Because of that, you will have to greatly depend on networking heavily and making strong contacts that might be helpful for your business. Until you start and finish a solid study for business, you may find it difficult and confusing and not know the steps to take.
Companies will be interested in applicants that have had experience and many applicants for the same jobs you apply to may have Bachelors Degrees or Masters in chemistry or business. It's the chance you take if you don't want a college path for this endeavor.
As for product, you will have to understand safety standards for cosmetics and toiletries, understand chemical reactions, know how to conduct market research and product testing. Think about at least going to a community college for a two year Associates Degree. You can take a chemistry class to learn your career and major in Business. Employers require and prefer applicants to have at minimum a Bachelors Degree, however. This is a very competitive field as you probably already know.
In the meantime, you can seek employment in a cosmetics store working retail or cosmetic manufacturing plant and see how that goes. You will need pertinent experience on your resume, too.
You can probably find a lot of instruction on line about homemade cosmetics and try to see how it goes working from home. Also read up on the regulations and standards about this work. It's very intricate and if you work at a cosmetic manufacturer, you may meet people who can help you get started by guiding you through all the professional standards. You'll want your product to be safe, appealing and popular. And you will need to follow all the regulations, laws and guidelines set forth by local and state agencies.
I would reconsider education and take it one step at a time so you can relax and not feel overwhelmed. Read employment notices for the position you're interested in and see what the employers are requiring. In order to have a business plan and know where to start, the education must come first. In the meantime, read a lot about the field and watch videos about it, explore some colleges and than come up with some short term doable goals.
I hope that this has been helpful and I wish you all the best !
You have chosen a most interesting and actually fun career and I would like to give you some advice based on your preference of not going to college for a degree.
If one thing is true it's that it would be very overwhelming for you to start a business without education about business management. I would advise that you seek courses in Business and Business Management first before you create a brand/product. If you get overwhelmed at every stage of the process, it would be because you didn't do structured learning. Needless to say, this goes for almost every form of work you can think of. The best route for this would be college, but you've stated that you did not want to do that. Because of that, you will have to greatly depend on networking heavily and making strong contacts that might be helpful for your business. Until you start and finish a solid study for business, you may find it difficult and confusing and not know the steps to take.
Companies will be interested in applicants that have had experience and many applicants for the same jobs you apply to may have Bachelors Degrees or Masters in chemistry or business. It's the chance you take if you don't want a college path for this endeavor.
As for product, you will have to understand safety standards for cosmetics and toiletries, understand chemical reactions, know how to conduct market research and product testing. Think about at least going to a community college for a two year Associates Degree. You can take a chemistry class to learn your career and major in Business. Employers require and prefer applicants to have at minimum a Bachelors Degree, however. This is a very competitive field as you probably already know.
In the meantime, you can seek employment in a cosmetics store working retail or cosmetic manufacturing plant and see how that goes. You will need pertinent experience on your resume, too.
You can probably find a lot of instruction on line about homemade cosmetics and try to see how it goes working from home. Also read up on the regulations and standards about this work. It's very intricate and if you work at a cosmetic manufacturer, you may meet people who can help you get started by guiding you through all the professional standards. You'll want your product to be safe, appealing and popular. And you will need to follow all the regulations, laws and guidelines set forth by local and state agencies.
I would reconsider education and take it one step at a time so you can relax and not feel overwhelmed. Read employment notices for the position you're interested in and see what the employers are requiring. In order to have a business plan and know where to start, the education must come first. In the meantime, read a lot about the field and watch videos about it, explore some colleges and than come up with some short term doable goals.
I hope that this has been helpful and I wish you all the best !
Thank you! This was very helpful.
shanice
You are very welcome, Shanice !
Michelle M.
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Shanice,
To become a chemist, you need to earn at least a bachelors in science (4 years). You might find employment with just a bachelors, but larger companies prefer an advanced degree in cosmetic chemistry.
The University of Toledo has an undergraduate program in cosmetic science.
Spelman College offers a cosmetic science certificate. I am not sure how much that is worth in industry.
I left a couple of links for further information at the bottom. I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-cosmetic-chemist
https://chemistscorner.com/how-to-become-a-cosmetic-chemist/
https://www.utoledo.edu/programs/undergrad/cosmetic-science-and-formulation-design
https://www.spelman.edu/espelman/cosmetic-science
To become a chemist, you need to earn at least a bachelors in science (4 years). You might find employment with just a bachelors, but larger companies prefer an advanced degree in cosmetic chemistry.
The University of Toledo has an undergraduate program in cosmetic science.
Spelman College offers a cosmetic science certificate. I am not sure how much that is worth in industry.
I left a couple of links for further information at the bottom. I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: