Principal Scientist - Skincare

Principal Scientist – Skin, Sun & Lip Care

At Melaleuca, our mission has remained constant:  “Enhancing the Lives of Those We Touch by Helping People Reach Their Goals.”

For nearly 40 years, we’ve built a business around wellness—creating safer, more effective products that promote the physical, environmental, financial, and personal well-being of millions worldwide. Recognized by Forbes and USA Today as one of America’s top employers, Melaleuca is a debt-free company that has never had a layoff in its history. Our people are our greatest asset. When you join Melaleuca, you become part of a purpose-driven team committed to making products that truly make a difference—for our customers, our planet, and our community.

Position Summary

As a Principal Scientist – Skin, Sun & Lip Care, you will be the in-house expert driving the scientific and technical execution of our Skin, Sun, and Lip Care product categories. You’ll combine deep formulation expertise with innovation leadership to develop new technologies, improve existing products, and translate consumer needs into science-backed, high-performing solutions.

Working closely with R&D leadership, Product Development, Regulatory, and Marketing, you’ll bring forward-thinking science to life—ensuring that every Melaleuca product is safe, effective, compliant, and aligned with our mission of Enhancing Lives.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Innovation: Identify and pursue new technologies, formulations, and ingredient opportunities across Skin, Sun, and Lip Care categories.

• Execute Product Development: Translate briefs into breakthrough formulations that meet efficacy, safety, and sensory standards—from concept through launch.

• Advance Testing & Validation: Conduct and oversee performance, stability, safety, and clinical tests to substantiate product claims and ensure superior quality.

• Evaluate the Market: Perform technology and competitive assessments to identify trends, benchmark product performance, and inform innovation strategy.

• Support Claims & Compliance: Partner with Regulatory, Legal, and Marketing teams to substantiate product claims, ensuring scientific credibility and global compliance.

• Collaborate Across Teams: Work seamlessly with R&D, Operations, and Marketing to ensure smooth project execution and alignment with business objectives.

• Foster Scientific Excellence: Develop intellectual property strategies, support patent filings, and drive continuous improvement in formulations and processes.

• Champion Continuous Learning: Stay current on scientific literature, emerging raw materials, and evolving regulatory and market trends to inform innovation pipelines.

What You Bring

• Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Chemistry or related scientific discipline.

• Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in personal care, skin care, or related FMCG categories (Beauty, Bath & Body, OTC).

• Technical Expertise: Strong background in formulation chemistry, in vitro/in vivo/clinical testing, and product performance evaluation.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiar with global cosmetic regulations, labeling compliance, and good manufacturing/laboratory practices.

• Innovation Mindset: Skilled at developing new formulations, evaluating emerging technologies, and improving existing products.

• Analytical Skills: Proficient in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific documentation.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports, patents, and SOPs.

• Leadership & Collaboration: Natural collaborator with proven ability to work effectively across functions and mentor scientific staff.

• Ability to Relocate to Idaho Falls, ID and work in office 5 days a week

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Award-Winning Workplace: Recognized by Forbes and USA Today as one of America’s Best Employers.

• Financial Strength & Stability: Proudly debt-free and never had a layoff in nearly 40 years.

• Purpose-Driven Mission: Every project supports Melaleuca’s goal of Enhancing Lives.

• Hands-On Innovation: Work onsite with world-class R&D facilities and state-of-the-art labs.

• Collaborative Culture: Join a team that values integrity, creativity, and scientific excellence.

• Beautiful Location: Enjoy the quality of life that comes with living and working in scenic Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Join Melaleuca—and help shape the science behind safe, effective, and naturally inspired skincare that truly enhances lives.