From that lush new Fenty lipgloss to the skincare serum you use everyday, all your fave beauty products were born in the lab. Behind the scenes, scientists research, formulate and test, making sure your beauty buys really do what they say on the tin. 

To make it from the lab beaker to the shop floor, cosmetic products are tested… and we’re not talking basic mock exams. These tests are rigorous: safety tests checking for harmful bacteria, efficacy tests checking for false claims, and stability tests checking product shelf life. (Because, let’s be real, we’ve all got a rogue old mascara hiding at the bottom of our makeup bag somewhere.) 

From techy computer simulations to artificial skin materials, the world of ethical cosmetics testing is *constantly* innovating. Scientists are responsible for making sure your beauty buys are super safe, effective and long-lasting—so you can trust what you’re putting on your skin.

ChatGPT can do just about anything, from writing IG captions to creating you a whole new workout routine. So, it probably comes as no surprise that AI is changing up the beauty biz… and creating exciting new career paths in tech and computer science, too. 

Skincare is about to get reeeeal personal. AI can use images to analyse your skin, target specific issues and recommend personalised skincare products, so you can build a beauty routine bespoke to you. 

Oh, and have you used that (terrifying) old age filter on TikTok? Generative AI is taking it to a whole new level, predicting how your skin will change as you age, along with the effects of using different products. Creepy, but cool. 

With virtual try-on solutions, you’ll also finally be able to wave goodbye to beauty haul dilemmas. Compare products side-by-side and match shades to your skin with AI and AR tech. This isn't just another selfie scanner or beauty filter—it’s hyper-personalised, so no more guessing games or annoying returns.

If you’re fascinated with beauty products, a Cosmetic Chemist could be your calling. Get hands-on creating, developing and testing brand new products.

Constantly got your finger on the pulse of the beauty market? As an R&D professional, you’re all about using science know-how and creativity to develop the latest cosmetics. If trend prediction is more up your street, dig deeper into what makes a beauty buy go viral in a data-based role.

Manufacturing Engineer roles are perfect if you wanna get hands-on with production processes and put your engineering experience to good use. Work with advanced technology, the latest tools and cutting edge machinery.

Obsessed with all things AI? Computer Vision Engineers are at the forefront of developing next-level tech, using machine learning skills to innovate the way brands interact with their consumers. No matter where your passion lies, there’s a unique cosmetic career for every science lover and tech pro. So, what are you waiting for? Step into a STEM career and be part of the innovative future of the beauty biz.