Herbal Product Development Head

Job Summary

The Head of R&D – Personal Care (Ayurvedic & Herbal) will lead the development of

innovative, safe, and effective personal care formulations rooted in Ayurvedic and herbal

sciences. This role combines traditional knowledge with modern scientific

methodologies to deliver high-quality products that meet regulatory standards and

consumer expectations.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Product Research & Formulation Development

Lead the end-to-end development of new Ayurvedic, herbal, and natural personal care products (e.G., skincare, haircare, hygiene, body care, etc.). Conceptualize and formulate new products based on market trends, consumer needs, and Ayurvedic principles.

Develop prototype formulations and oversee lab-scale, pilot, and production-scale trials.

Ensure product efficacy, stability, and sensory performance through testing and validation.

Include advanced ingredient innovation through phytochemical process enhancement to improve bioavailability, stability, and efficacy of herbal actives.

2. Innovation & Product Pipeline

Build and manage a robust innovation pipeline aligned with company strategy.

Explore emerging natural ingredients, botanical extracts, and traditional Ayurvedic actives for future product development.

Collaborate with marketing and consumer insights teams to identify new opportunities.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

Ensure all formulations comply with AYUSH, BIS, and relevant cosmetic / drug regulations.

Maintain documentation as per GMP, ISO, and other quality standards.

Prepare dossiers and technical documents for regulatory submissions.

4. Team Leadership & Management

Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D team of formulation scientists, chemists, and technical experts.

Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor within the team.

Coordinate with cross-functional teams — production, quality, procurement, and marketing — to ensure smooth product rollouts.

5. Vendor & Ingredient Management

Identify and evaluate new raw materials, herbal extracts, and natural actives.

Collaborate with suppliers to ensure ingredient quality and consistency.

Manage cost optimization without compromising on product quality or efficacy.

6. Quality, Safety & Efficacy

Oversee analytical, microbiological, and clinical evaluations of new formulations.

Ensure adherence to safety and stability testing protocols.

Implement continuous improvement programs for existing products.

Coordinate and oversee clinical trials to validate safety, performance, and consumer acceptability of new and reformulated products.

Qualifications & Experience :

Education :

Master’s or Ph.D. in Cosmetic Science, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or Ayurveda (BAMS / MD Ayurveda with R&D experience).

Experience :

Minimum 15–25 years of experience in formulation development for herbal, Ayurvedic, or

natural personal care / cosmetic products.

Proven record of launching successful products in skincare, haircare, or body care.

Deep understanding of Ayurvedic pharmacology, herbal ingredients, and their modern

applications.

Familiarity with GMP, AYUSH, BIS, and international cosmetic regulatory standards.