Essay, Research Paper: A Cosmetic Chemist

Introduction: Since Ancient civilizations women have been using cosmetics to better their appearances. Over the centuries they evolved into what they are today. You can look into a girls medicine cabinet from age three to one hundred and thirty-three and I can almost guarantee you that they own some kind of cosmetic. Whether the cosmetic is cover up, to cover a blemish or lipstick to enhance their lips all women use them. But what the women don t know is who are the genius' that are making these beauty-enhancing products. Those geniuses are cosmetic chemists.
Career Cluster: A cosmetic chemist would be in the career cluster among engineers, scientists, and chemists.
Education: In order to become a cosmetic chemist you have to have at least 4 years of college chemistry. Some chemistry classes that can be taken are general chemistry, organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry to name a few. A cosmetic chemist can study at almost any college that offers chemistry major. The University of Cincinnati and Rutgers have special programs on cosmetic science. Estee Lauder, Revlon, and many cosmetic companies hold interns. Many of them are for college students during the summer. The company will show, and allow them to work with cosmetic chemists. This will give the students a better understanding of the job.
Work environment: companies that make hair and skin care products such as Procter and Gamble, Unilever, Alberto Culver, Estee Lauder, Johnson Products, and many others employ cosmetic chemists. You can also work for the raw material manufacturers. These companies provide the raw materials that make up the final product. There are many raw material manufacturers that provide fragrances, surfactants, resins, silicones, etc. A cosmetic chemist may also be employed for testing laboratories.
Job Description: The cosmetic chemist would actually be making the shampoo, skin lotions, make up, and perfumes. They develop new products; test them to make sure they are stable, safe, and effective. A main method they use when developing the product is trial and error. It is a very frustrating process to obtain the perfect ratio of raw materials. They could also help sell raw materials, support advertising efforts, trouble-shoot manufacturing processes, and investigate cost savings.
Salary, benefits, and promotions: An entry-level salary could be anything from $30,000 on up to six figures depending on your experience and the company. All of your benefits would depend on what company you are working for. Promotions will also depend on what company you work for and how well you work.
Future Growth: As long as there are people using cosmetics, there will always be a demand for cosmetic chemist. According to the American Chemical Society, the unemployment rate for chemists is a mere 2% (much lower than the national average of 5%). So the outlook for being a cosmetic chemist is very good.
Conclusion: Cosmetic chemists have a very special job. If they weren t around women (and I guess men too) would definitely not looks as good or be as happy. All I have to say is thank goodness for Cosmetic Chemists.
Bibliography
+ Chemistry and Technology of the Cosmetics and Toiletries Industry: Williams D.F., Schmitt W.H. January 1992.
+ Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry: An overview for Chemists, and Others Interested in the Cosmetic Industry: Schueller Randy, Romanowski Perry. January 1999.
+ Botanical: A Phytocosmetic Desk Reference D Amelio Frank. January 1998.
+ http://www.cosmeticindex.com/ci/index.html
+ cosmeticmfglabs.com