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Cosmetic chemist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between cosmetic chemists and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cosmetic chemist has an average salary of $59,876, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a cosmetic chemist include R, GMP and QC. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Cosmetic chemist vs laboratory analyst overview

Cosmetic ChemistLaboratory Analyst
Yearly salary$59,876$44,024
Hourly rate$28.79$21.17
Growth rate6%9%
Number of jobs7,55644,074
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4238
Years of experience-2

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 laboratory analyst do?

A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.

Cosmetic chemist vs laboratory analyst salary

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

Cosmetic ChemistLaboratory Analyst
Average salary$59,876$44,024
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $83,000Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CitySkillman, NJNew York, NY
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew York
Best paying companyBASFAbbVie
Best paying industry-Pharmaceutical

Differences between cosmetic chemist and laboratory analyst education

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

Cosmetic ChemistLaboratory Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaStanford University

Cosmetic chemist vs laboratory analyst demographics

Here are the differences between cosmetic chemists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:

Cosmetic ChemistLaboratory Analyst
Average age4238
Gender ratioMale, 51.9% Female, 48.1%Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
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, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%8%

Differences between cosmetic chemist and laboratory analyst 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.

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

  • Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
  • Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
  • Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
  • Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
  • Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
  • Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.
  • Show more

Cosmetic chemist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common cosmetic chemist skills
  • R, 23%
  • GMP, 16%
  • QC, 15%
  • Laboratory Instruments, 14%
  • Product Specifications, 8%
  • HPLC, 7%
Common laboratory analyst skills
  • Test Methods, 8%
  • Lab Equipment, 7%
  • Lims, 5%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%
  • Sample Preparation, 5%
  • Analytical Methods, 4%

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