Train at a Top Cosmetology School to Start a Career in Beauty Product Research and Development

If you love skin care and cosmetics, pay close attention to detail, and have a knack for research, a career in beauty product research and development could be for you. An education from a top beauty school, along with scientific education and training, could enable you to work for cosmetic giants such as Proctor and Gamble, L'Oreal, and Maybelline, to name just a few.

How to Work in Beauty Product Research and Development

Research and development is an industry that requires focused, diligent professionals. Depending on the area where you choose to specialize, you may be collecting data, testing products (on animals or natural alternatives), working with chemists on developing new formulas, or researching market forces and competitors. Dr. Catherine Armstrong suggests that there are five main skills needed to work in research and development:

Project Management
Handling Budgets
Team Leading/ Managing
Handling Data
IT skills

In addition to these attributes, beauty product developers and researchers usually are required to have some form of cosmetics training from a cosmetology school or beauty institute, as well as a science degree or diploma.

Areas of Specialization in Beauty Product R&D

Beauty products are constantly being tested, researched, and improved. New products are always being developed, and the research required for each one must cover many areas. The experience and education of the R&D candidate dictates the area where he or she is likely to be most successful, as does the student's area of study in cosmetology school. Areas of focus include:

Consumer research
Scientific research
Market research
Trend forecasting

Career Outlook in Cosmetics Research

The skin care and cosmetic product industry is booming, and will continue to do so in the future. For those who attend a top beauty school and have a scientific background, the job prospects in this industry are looking very bright.