Head of Research And Development

Ghar Soaps · India

About Company

Ghar Soaps is a skin care brand based in Pune, dedicated to simplifying skin care routines for effective results. Our brand's mission is to make skin care simple and accessible to all individuals. With a focus on natural ingredients and straightforward products, Ghar Soaps aims to enhance the skin care experience for customers.

Role Summary

The Head of R&D will lead advanced formulation Development, product innovation, Stability and technical strategy for the beauty and cosmetics division. The role requires deep scientific expertise, leadership in formulation development, and a passion for innovation that bridges research with commercial success. The individual will drive the brand’s next-generation product pipeline — blending modern science with sustainable, effective beauty solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Innovation & Formula Development

· Lead and oversee all formulation and product development activities skincare, haircare, and beauty and personal products

· Apply scientific research and advanced formulation techniques to develop safe, stable, and high-performing products.

· Explore and validate new molecules, actives, and natural bio-ingredients aligned with brand positioning.

· Design and supervise clinical efficacy studies, product stability, compatibility, and sensory evaluations.

· Partner with marketing and brand teams to translate consumer trends into scientifically-backed formulations.

Technical & Regulatory Compliance

· Ensure adherence to GMP, BIS, FDA, and ISO 22716 cosmetic regulations for all formulations.

· Oversee preparation of Product Information Files (PIF) , MSDS , COA , and ingredient documentation.

· Ensure product claims validation through third-party labs, dermatological testing, and safety assessments.

· Maintain and review all documentation for regulatory submissions and audits.

Process & Scale-Up Leadership

· Lead pilot production trials , process optimization, and technology transfers to manufacturing units.

· Troubleshoot technical issues during scale-up and ensure reproducibility of formulations in bulk production.

· Work closely with Production, QC, and QA teams to ensure batch consistency and quality excellence.

Research Leadership & Collaboration

· Drive scientific innovation through new formulation technologies, ingredient chemistry, and process improvements.

· Collaborate with universities, research labs, and suppliers on emerging technologies and co-development projects.

· Guide a team of scientists and formulators to deliver innovative, high-quality product outcomes.

· Publish or present scientific findings, fostering the brand’s leadership in cosmetic science.

Strategic Direction & Innovation Pipeline

· Develop and execute the long-term R&D roadmap aligned with business goals and consumer trends.

· Identify white spaces for innovation in ingredients, textures, and product formats.

· Support cost-optimization and sustainability initiatives without compromising product performance.

Key Skills & Competencies

· Deep expertise in cosmetic chemistry , formulation science , and product stability .

· Strong understanding of dermatological science , raw material functionality, and sensory properties.

· Familiarity with analytical methods and instrumentation used in formulation validation.

· Proven track record of scientific leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

· Excellent knowledge of GMP, ISO 22716, BIS , and cosmetic compliance frameworks.

· Strategic thinking, innovation mindset, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

· Ph.D. in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, or Chemical Engineering.

· 12–15 years of experience in cosmetic, beauty, or personal care R&D , including formulation leadership.

· Proven success in developing innovative, market-winning formulations and leading technical teams.

· Exposure to international cosmetic regulations and product development standards preferred.