Chanel Formulation Development Technician — Makeup R&D
- Location
- Employment
- Internship
- Seniority
- Intern
- Posted
- Apr 1, 2026
About Chanel
Chanel is an independent global luxury house with iconic positions in fashion, jewellery, fragrance and beauty. As an employer, the brand emphasizes meticulous craftsmanship, creative excellence and scientific innovation across its product lines; its beauty division is known for marrying haute parfumerie and advanced cosmetic science within a highly curated, heritage-driven environment.
Chanel in Pantin is hiring a Formulation Development Technician (Makeup R&D, alternance) to support complexion product development in the R&D laboratory.
Role & Responsibilities
- Support the research and development of complexion products (foundations, concealers, tints), including formulation, optimization and troubleshooting of prototypes.
- Prepare laboratory samples and bench-scale batches, ensuring accurate weighing, mixing and sample traceability.
- Perform and record physicochemical and stability testing (pH, viscosity, rheology, accelerated ageing, microbial checks) and report results to R&D formulators.
- Conduct colorimetric assessments and assist with shade matching using spectrophotometric methods.
- Contribute to raw-material evaluations, supplier sample testing and assessment of preservative and pigment systems.
- Document experimental procedures, maintain lab notebooks and ensure compliance with laboratory safety and quality procedures.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (colorists, analytical, regulatory, packaging and production) to support scale-up and technology transfer to pilot or manufacturing.
Qualifications
- Enrolled in or candidate for a technical degree in chemistry, cosmetic science, materials science or equivalent (BTS/DT, Licence Professionnelle, Bachelor or Master's program) suitable for an alternance.
- Practical laboratory experience gained through internships or academic projects in formulation or analytical testing.
- Good knowledge of basic formulation principles for emulsions, suspensions and pigment-containing systems.
- Familiarity with laboratory safety rules and quality documentation practices.
Skills
Experience
Ongoing academic training in chemistry or cosmetic science with practical laboratory experience; prior internships in cosmetics or formulation labs are advantageous but not mandatory for alternance candidates.
Education
Enrolled in a relevant technical or university program in chemistry, cosmetic science, materials science, or equivalent (BTS/DUT, Licence Professionnelle, Bachelor or Master) appropriate for an alternance.
Workplace
This position is based in Pantin, Île-de-France, France, within easy reach of Paris.
Culture
The Chanel beauty division combines artisanal savoir‑faire with scientific rigour, fostering a collaborative laboratory culture where creativity and technical excellence coexist. Employees are expected to work with discretion, precision and a strong attention to detail in a prestige-driven environment.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Chanel, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «R&D Formulation Technician, Color Cosmetics», «Makeup Formulation Apprentice», «Product Development Technician — Complexion», «Color Cosmetics Development Technician», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.