Job Description

Please ignore Glassdoor's 'base pay range' estimate

About the Role

At Tropic, we're building something extraordinary. Our skincare has already changed the game - and now we're setting our sights on redefining colour cosmetics for a global audience. With ambitious expansion plans and a pipeline brimming with innovation, we're creating products that don't just perform, but inspire, empower, and set new benchmarks for sustainable beauty.

That's where you come in.

We're looking for a visionary

Principal Scientist - Colour Cosmetics

to lead this next chapter. This isn't just about developing formulations - it's about architecting complete product experiences, from velvety powders to high-impact lipsticks, flawless foundations, mascaras, and beyond.

This role blends scientific expertise, process engineering, and creative innovation. You'll pioneer new textures, optimise processes, and ensure our products not only succeed in the lab, but also deliver exceptional performance at scale. Alongside driving innovation, you'll mentor rising talent, collaborate across teams, and see your work evolve into products used and loved worldwide. This is a career-defining opportunity to put your scientific and engineering stamp on the future of colour cosmetics.

Key Responsibilities

Develop formulations for colour cosmetics from concept through to commercialisation, with a thorough understanding of various makeup formats (e.g., foundations, lipsticks, mascaras, eyeliners, pressed and loose powders, primers, and highlighters). Apply process engineering expertise to scale-up and production, including optimisation of powder pressing (compaction force, dwell time, tooling) and process parameters for different product types. Conduct ingredient research, stability studies, and sensory evaluations, integrating raw material insights into high-performance formulations. Perform mechanical and physical testing (hardness, payoff, spreadability, adhesion, compressibility) across powders, sticks, and emulsions. Carry out surface and optical analysis including glossmeter readings, colourimetry (?E measurement), particle size analysis, opacity/transparency measurement, and imaging for texture evaluation. Execute performance and wear tests, including transfer resistance, rub-off, smudge resistance, water resistance, and long-wear studies under controlled conditions. Assess sensory and application performance through panel testing, slip measurement, tackiness evaluation, and blendability analysis. Work closely with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot process issues, optimise batch reproducibility, and ensure smooth technology transfer from lab to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Regulatory, Manufacturing) to ensure product feasibility, brand alignment, and compliance. Stay ahead of emerging trends, raw materials, and technologies shaping the colour cosmetics field. Mentor and develop junior chemists, fostering a culture of innovation, scientific excellence, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field. 15+ years of experience in colour cosmetics development, spanning formulation and process engineering. A proven track record of successfully launching innovative makeup products across multiple formats. Expert knowledge of raw material chemistry, pigment dispersion, emulsion systems, and powder compaction. Strong expertise in scale-up, validation, and technology transfer into manufacturing. Skilled in process equipment operation and optimisation, including powder presses, mills, mixers, and filling lines. Proficiency in instrumental testing such as glossmeter, spectrophotometer colour analysis, rheology, and texture analysis. Strong understanding of global regulatory frameworks (UK, FDA, EU, ASEAN) and claims substantiation. A confident leader with experience mentoring teams and managing cross-functional projects. Exceptional troubleshooting skills with the perfect balance of technical depth, creativity, and commercial awareness.

What We Offer

Employment Type:

Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

Location:

This role is on-site, 5 days per week at our Tropic HQ (a short walk from Beddington Lane Tram stop, with direct links to East Croydon and Wimbledon)

Salary:

Competitive

Benefits:

Generous annual leave, 24/7 well-being support, discounted gym membership, pension scheme, enhanced maternity/paternity leave (after qualifying period), exclusive skincare collection, 50% discount for family and friends, annual product allowance, free breakfast bar, access to retailer discounts, social events, well-being treats, on-site parking, and a cycle-to-work scheme.

Start Date:

January 2026

About Tropic

Susie, our Founder and CEO, started Tropic as a teenager, selling homemade body scrubs at Greenwich Market to help her mum pay the bills. She sold out on her first day, sparking what would become one of the UK's fastest-growing beauty businesses.

Today, our range includes award-winning skincare, body care, hair care, and makeup products that are all vegan, cruelty-free, and CarbonNeutral. Our infinite purpose is simple but powerful: to help create a healthier, greener, more empowered world - and every team member plays a part in making that vision a reality.

Tropic's Commitment to Equal Opportunities

We're proud to be a diverse team, and we work hard to make everyone feel welcome and valued. At Tropic, we never discriminate, and we provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities at every stage of the hiring process.

Ultimately, we're looking for the best person for the job - so if you've got the skills, the passion, and the drive, we'd love to hear from you!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Paid volunteer time Private medical insurance Sick pay Store discount
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 05/01/2026