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Cosmetic chemist vs dermatologist

The differences between cosmetic chemists and dermatologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a dermatologist has an average salary of $407,715, which is higher than the $59,876 average annual salary of a cosmetic chemist.

The top three skills for a cosmetic chemist include R, GMP and QC. The most important skills for a dermatologist are patients, mohs, and patient care.

Cosmetic chemist vs dermatologist overview

Cosmetic ChemistDermatologist
Yearly salary$59,876$407,715
Hourly rate$28.79$196.02
Growth rate6%7%
Number of jobs7,5561,834
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age4248
Years of experience-4

What does a cosmetic chemist do?

A cosmetic chemist specializes in formulating and developing skincare and cosmetic products such as make-up, lotion, soap, and shampoo. They typically work at laboratories where they work on different chemicals and substances, conduct studies and experiments, perform extensive research and analysis, develop and implement tests and assessments, and maintain records of all procedures. Moreover, a cosmetic chemist must maintain an active communication line with staff while adhering to the safety protocols and standards of a laboratory, especially when handling different chemicals.

What does a dermatologist do?

A dermatologist is a physician with expertise in diagnosing and treating skin, nail, and hair problems such as rashes and acne. Their responsibilities include conducting initial assessments and examinations, offering consultations and advice, studying a patient's medical histories, and performing non-invasive procedures as needed. They may also prescribe medication and various services, referring patients to other specialists as necessary. Furthermore, as a dermatologist, it is essential to discuss skin conditions and the extent of treatments to patients, helping them learn different care procedures.

Cosmetic chemist vs dermatologist salary

Cosmetic chemists and dermatologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cosmetic ChemistDermatologist
Average salary$59,876$407,715
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $83,000Between $202,000 And $820,000
Highest paying CitySkillman, NJGrand Forks, ND
Highest paying stateWashingtonNorth Dakota
Best paying companyBASFAllina Health
Best paying industry-Pharmaceutical

Differences between cosmetic chemist and dermatologist education

There are a few differences between a cosmetic chemist and a dermatologist in terms of educational background:

Cosmetic ChemistDermatologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common majorChemistryBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Virginia

Cosmetic chemist vs dermatologist demographics

Here are the differences between cosmetic chemists' and dermatologists' demographics:

Cosmetic ChemistDermatologist
Average age4248
Gender ratioMale, 51.9% Female, 48.1%Male, 14.5% Female, 85.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.4% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 5.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 18.4% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage5%13%

Differences between cosmetic chemist and dermatologist duties and responsibilities

Cosmetic chemist example responsibilities.

  • Plan, manage, and maintain laboratory's SPC and TQM programs.
  • Train new formulation chemists in the use of and methods validation for HPLC, optical microscopy, and particle sizing equipment.
  • Take initiative to be cross-train in chemistry methods used by the company to perform additional tests that ensure uninterrupt laboratory operation.
  • Direct department's Quality/Regulatory compliance to ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 13485:2003.
  • Document extraction procedures, validation data, and instrument parameters for all nonstandard sample testing in laboratory notebook.

Dermatologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
  • Enter patient information into EMR.
  • Maintain OSHA logs on all equipment.
  • suture removal, assist in MOHS surgery.
  • Scrub multiple hospital procedures (facelifts, liposuction, augmentations, facial reconstructive surgery, breast reconstructive surgery . )
  • Keep medical histories and interview patients to procure or verify information.
  • Show more

Cosmetic chemist vs dermatologist skills

Common cosmetic chemist skills
  • R, 23%
  • GMP, 16%
  • QC, 15%
  • Laboratory Instruments, 14%
  • Product Specifications, 8%
  • HPLC, 7%
Common dermatologist skills
  • Patients, 34%
  • Mohs, 26%
  • Patient Care, 13%
  • EMR, 9%
  • Private Practice, 2%
  • Medical Assistants, 2%

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