Introduction: Since Ancient civilizations women have been using cosmetics to better their appearances. Over the centuries they evolved into what they are today. You can look into a girls medicine cabinet from age three to one hundred and thirty-three and I can almost guarantee you that they own some kind of cosmetic. Whether the cosmetic is cover up, to cover a blemish or lipstick to enhance their lips all women use them. But what the women don"t know is who are the genius' that are making these beauty-enhancing products. Those geniuses are cosmetic chemists. .

             Career Cluster: A cosmetic chemist would be in the career cluster among engineers, scientists, and chemists. .

             Education: In order to become a cosmetic chemist you have to have at least 4 years of college chemistry. Some chemistry classes that can be taken are general chemistry, organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry to name a few. A cosmetic chemist can study at almost any college that offers chemistry major. The University of Cincinnati and Rutgers have special programs on cosmetic science. Estee Lauder, Revlon, and many cosmetic companies hold interns. Many of them are for college students during the summer. The company will show, and allow them to work with cosmetic chemists. This will give the students a better understanding of the job.

             Work environment: companies that make hair and skin care products such as Procter and Gamble, Unilever, Alberto Culver, Estee Lauder, Johnson Products, and many others employ cosmetic chemists. You can also work for the raw material manufacturers. These companies provide the raw materials that make up the final product. There are many raw material manufacturers that provide fragrances, surfactants, resins, silicones, etc. A cosmetic chemist may also be employed for testing laboratories.

             Job Description: The cosmetic chemist would actually be making the shampoo, skin lotions, make up, and perfumes.