Cosmetic Chemist Needed — Develop & Prototype Peroxide-Based Hair Lightening Spray (US Compliance)

I'm developing a new hair-care product for eventual commercialization in the United States and am seeking an experienced cosmetic chemist or cosmetic R&D laboratory to develop an original formulation and manufacture a physical prototype. The product is a single-bottle, leave-in gradual hair-lightening spray designed to lighten natural blonde to light brown hair by approximately 2–3 levels over repeated applications while minimizing brassiness, dryness, and hair damage. Product concept and performance goals: Hydrogen peroxide-based gradual lightening system, with approximately 3% hydrogen peroxide as an initial concentration to evaluate. Blue-violet toning ingredients to help neutralize yellow and orange undertones. Subtle, fresh chamomile fragrance. Lightweight conditioning ingredients that help maintain softness. Non-greasy, non-sticky, fine-mist spray consistency. Suitable for repeated leave-in use, subject to appropriate safety evaluation. Stable, compatible ingredients and packaging. Scope of work 1. Original formulation development Develop a complete, original quantitative formulation with exact percentages totaling 100%. Provide full INCI ingredient names, ingredient functions, and raw-material specifications. Provide detailed manufacturing instructions, including mixing conditions, ingredient addition order, and required equipment. Establish appropriate pH specifications and hydrogen peroxide stabilization requirements. Evaluate compatibility between peroxide, blue-violet colorants, conditioning ingredients, and chamomile fragrance. Recommend suitable ingredient suppliers and peroxide-compatible packaging. Provide documentation sufficient for an independent manufacturer to reproduce the formulation. 2. Physical prototype manufacturing Manufacture one 30–50 mL physical prototype using the developed formula. Use suitable peroxide-compatible packaging. Perform basic quality checks, including pH, appearance, and spray functionality. Ship the finished sample to San Diego, California, USA. The initial prototype will be evaluated on detached human-hair swatches only. 3. US safety and regulatory considerations The formulation must be developed with eventual US commercialization in mind. I need a chemist familiar with applicable FDA cosmetic requirements, including ingredient restrictions, permitted colorants, product safety, and appropriate labeling considerations. Please: Identify relevant US cosmetic regulatory requirements and ingredient restrictions. Verify the regulatory status of proposed blue-violet colorants for their intended use. Assess formulation considerations for hydrogen peroxide stability, packaging, and repeated leave-in application. Identify potential eye, scalp, and inhalation exposure concerns associated with spray application. Recommend the stability, compatibility, safety, and performance testing necessary before commercialization. Identify any regulatory or safety evaluations that require an independent qualified laboratory or specialist. I understand that a prototype and written formulation alone do not establish full regulatory compliance or commercial safety. Please clearly distinguish the assessments included in your proposal from additional testing required before launch. 4. Ownership and revisions Full ownership and commercial usage rights to the original final formulation. Disclosure of any third-party intellectual property or licensing restrictions. At least one round of formulation revisions, preferably following initial prototype testing. Documentation that can be transferred to another manufacturer for future production. Required qualifications Applicants must have relevant experience in cosmetic chemistry, preferably involving hydrogen peroxide-based hair-lightening or hair-color products. Please include the following in your proposal: Your cosmetic chemistry qualifications and relevant peroxide-based hair product experience. Examples of similar formulation or prototype projects. Confirmation that you have access to a physical laboratory and can personally manufacture the sample, or identification of the laboratory that will. An itemized quote separating formulation development, prototype manufacturing, raw materials, testing, and shipping. Your estimated timeline for delivering the formulation and physical prototype. The number of revisions included. Your experience with US cosmetic regulatory requirements and what compliance-related work is included. Confirmation that I will own the original formulation and can take it to another manufacturer. I'm looking for a qualified professional who can help develop a technically sound, reproducible product with a clear pathway toward safe and compliant commercialization. Thank you! I look forward to reviewing your proposal.