[poll results] What's the Most Rewarding Part of Being a Cosmetic Chemist?

Apr 1st, 2025

Rachel Grabenhofer, C&T magazine

Chemist In Lab Formulating Mixing Adobe Stock 367876719

Image by chokniti at Adobe Stock

Most of us have aspects of our jobs that we like most and that we like least. In a recent social media poll, we asked readers what they like most about being a cosmetic chemist. The results didn't surprise us.

Thank you for participating — and be sure to watch our social media pages for the next poll.

Results

Seeing my product in stores 44%
Innovating new formulas 35%
Solving formulation challenges 21%

woman looking in mirror pulling frown lines up around mouth

[poll results] How Do You Assess the Effectiveness of a Product to Support 'Anti-aging' Claims?

Last week, we highlighted how beauty consumers are demanding scientific proof of a product's efficacy, although their perception plays an undeniable role. So we asked: How do substantiate "anti-aging" product claims? Here's what you said.

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jars of cosmetic samples lids opened lined up pink background

[poll results] How Do You Usually Assess Product Shelf Life?

We noted last week that per the FDA, there are currently no U.S. regulations that require cosmetics to have certain shelf lives -- but manufacturers must ensure that products are safe. So we asked: How do you assess shelf life? Here's what you said.

lab beaker and flask glassware setup with colored liquids

[poll results] What is the Biggest Challenge in Testing for Product Performance?

There are, no doubt, any number of challenges to assessing whether products perform as intended, so in our last poll, we asked: Which is the biggest? Here's what you said.

female chemist in lab coat with gloves examining gold liquid in flask

[poll results] What Lab Practice do You Believe Has the Greatest Impact on Formulation Stability?

Last week, we noted consumers have adopted a holistic view of beauty. And that a microcosm of this exists in the lab, where every variable has an impact. We asked: Which lab practice impacts formula stability the most? Here's what you said.

cosmetic product testing lab sampling survey

[poll results] When Conducting Safety Testing, Which Aspect Do You Prioritize Most?

Consumer safety is a top priority for cosmetic and personal care product manufacturers, and there are many facets to consider. So in our last poll, we asked: What aspect do you prioritize most when it comes to safety testing? Here's what you said.

young female chemist in lab preparing samples

[results] How Do You Typically Manage Waste and Environmental Impact in the Lab?

Last week, we noted that labs can have a significant carbon footprint, contributing to the climate crisis. This made us wonder: How do you practice sustainability in the lab? Here's what you said.

multiple beakers duplicates lined up with blue liquid in them

[updated; poll results] How Do You Ensure the Reproducibility of Lab-scale Batches?

Last week, we noted a report in BioTechniques that states a "replication crisis" has gained traction in the scientific community. So, we asked: How do you ensure reproducibility in the lab? Here's what you said.

person presenting beauty concepts to table of women

[poll results] Which Sensory Evaluation Method Do You Prefer for Consumer Product Testing?

Earlier, we asked: What's your go-to method when it comes to getting sensory feedback about your latest formula? Here's what you said.

steampunk-scientist-in-lab-measuring-crystal-ball

[poll results] Which factor is most critical in determining the success of a lab-scale formulation?

Previously, we highlighted the many hats cosmetic scientists wear: that of a detective, a process engineer and a consumer mind reader. We asked: which is most critical to success? Here's what you said.

chemist in lab testing cosmetic products

[poll results] What is Your Primary Concern When Conducting Preservative Efficacy Testing?

Last week, we asked you what your primary concern is when conducting preservative testing. Here's how you responded. Be sure to check back for our latest poll!