Formulation Specialist

Who We Are

Fueled by passion, KAYALI was founded in 2018 by beauty mogul and fragrance fanatic, Mona Kattan. Translating to ‘my imagination’ in Arabic, KAYALI provides a modern fragrance experience inspired by Mona’s rich Middle Eastern heritage and the art of layering scents to help you create your mood; where sharing scents is a ritual and smelling good is both an act of goodwill and self-love. Mona collaborates with some of the world’s most renowned perfumers and sources the finest ingredients to create unique juices that are infinitely memorable, long-lasting, and cruelty-free. Each luxurious fragrance is an ode to true craftsmanship and tells a special story, from the addictive notes to the multi-faceted jeweled bottles.

Our Mission

To make everyone feel like the diamond they are! To build a global community of fragrance lovers through the power of scent and by providing them with the most innovative & luxurious fragrances, education and sharing our Middle Eastern fragrance rituals with the world.

Summary

The Formulation Expert will support product development by evaluating and guiding formulation proposals from subcontractors, with a strong focus on quality, performance, sensorial attributes, and brand alignment. They will also supervise stability and compatibility testing, ensuring product integrity and compliance throughout development.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

Technical Expertise in Formulation

•  Strong knowledge of fragrance and cosmetic formulation, with an understanding of both raw materials and finished product behaviour
• Experience with various categories (e.g., fragrance, skincare, body care, makeup, etc.)
• Understanding of clean beauty standards, natural origin ingredients, and luxury sensorial benchmarks

Product Evaluation & Sensory Analysis

•   Ability to critically assess formulation proposals from external labs
•   Expertise in evaluating texture, fragrance, absorption, and finish in line with brand expectations
• Familiarity with benchmarking products and articulating feedback to subcontractors

Stability & Compatibility Testing

•   Experience in planning, overseeing, and interpreting stability and compatibility tests
•   Familiarity with packaging interaction, shelf-life prediction, and storage condition implications
•   Knowledge of analytical testing methods and lab equipment (pH, viscosity, centrifugation, etc.)

Regulatory & Safety Awareness

• Basic understanding of cosmetic regulatory requirements (EU, US, and global)
• Awareness of claims substantiation and ingredient restrictions
• Familiarity with safety assessments and toxicological reviews

 Quality Management Systems (QMS) & Documentation

• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 22716, GMP, ICH guidelines) relevant to cosmetic product development and manufacturing
•   Ability to review and maintain technical documentation, including product specs, batch records, test reports, and certificates of analysis

Project Management & Communication

• Ability to collaborate with subcontractors, internal teams (marketing, packaging, supply chain), and external consultants
• Strong project management skills: timelines, documentation, and follow-up
• Clear scientific communication, both verbal and written

• Degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in formulation or product development, ideally with exposure to luxury brands or beauty startups
• Experience working with external laboratories or contract manufacturers is a strong plus

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
• Find Your Magic Days
• Volunteer Day
• Professional Development Days
• Birthday leave
• Egg Freezing Benefits
• Employee discounts on Kayali products
• Products gifting