Since I came from a chemical engineering background, I have a lot of friends who are working in the cosmetics field. I interviewed Jocelyn, who is currently working as the Research & Development engineer at L'Oreal. I just did a 30-min brief chat about her job, what she does, and what she knows about the cosmetics industry. Here are some quotes and insights:
- Research and development (R&D) includes activities that companies undertake to innovate and introduce new products and services. It is often the first stage in the development process.
- The aim of research and development (R&D) is to improve the current technologies offered by an organization or to develop innovations that strengthen the organization's position in the marketplace.
- R&D engineers in cosmetics industry: strategic planning and program creation to deliver successful new products to market. Work with research scientists/chemists to create perfumes, lotions, makeup and other personal care products through a complex balance of chemicals and elements.
- Some of the key steps: engineering program and project management, conceptual design, detailed design, prototyping, manufacturing, performance analysis, etc.
- The cosmetics industry is in boom today. There are so many innovative advancement in the cosmetics industry. For example: discovery of Nanotechnology, a scientific methodology conducted at nano-scale to let the tiny particles penetrate deep into the skin, has allowed the researchers to create products which are more effective in fighting the skin-aging fine lines.
- R&D also cater to all the needs of different consumers and to make sure that a particular product suits the skin well without major reactions. The resultant products after a thorough R&D are more beneficial to its consumers - allow the cosmetics industry to develop new and improved products.
- Some of the goals she mentioned: to harmonize with the biology of different hair, skin, teeth etc., make them safer to use, fulfill beauty aspirations, reduce environmental impacts, for scientific advancements, be different than the competitive brands in the market, to make products cost-effective...