Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Major Award
Timeline
Generic

Rodney Fontenot

Topanga

Summary

Formulating Chemist, with extensive experience in Research and Development and Production with global leaders in the skin care industry .Broad background in the development of cutting edge products in forever-changing global markets. Extensive knowledge of formulation technology, scientific testing, and regulatory compliance.

Collaborates closely with colleagues to foster the creation of exceptional products that add value to the bottom line "Hands-on," "get it done," work ethic. Knowledgeable in regulatory compliance and safety. Familiar with the following protocols:NPA, NSF, Whole Food Premium, EU (REACH), AP, US(FDA/USP), ISO, GMP, ASTM, MIL-SPEC, OSHA, and NIOSH.

Overview

48
48
years of professional experience

Work History

Colorful Products/ Cosmetics Development Systems
01.2020 - Current
  • Responsible for formulation and formulation management for busy contract manufacturer
  • Responsible for production batch initiation and approval
  • Responsible for approval and acquisition of new raw materials
  • Formulated several new products- all products have been customer approved
  • Acquired high level of proficiency with new LIMS/production management system (MAR-KOV)

Jafra Cosmetics
Westlake Village
09.2019 - 01.2020
  • Formulated SPF products
  • Formulated hair care
  • Formulated Men's grooming products
  • Assisted in redefining process development functions
  • Assisted in revamping stability testing protocols

Seed Beauty
Oxnard
03.2019 - 09.2019
  • Brought various emulsion technologies to the team
  • Gained valuable experience in color cosmetics formulation and production
  • Became proficient with in house LIMS systems
  • Formulated sunless tanning products
  • Formulated SPF products
  • Participated in design group for facility expansion

I-Shay Cosmetics
Carson
02.2018 - 02.2019
  • Responsible for formulation of prototypes from customers (over 60 products formulated)
  • Responsible for management and workflow of R&D Lab
  • Responsible for meeting with both customers and vendors
  • Responsible for revamping stability program SOP
  • Daily assistance to production
  • Daily assistance to QC
  • Revamping and standardization of GMP and ISO protocols
  • Deionized water system validation
  • Raw material vendor approval

Aware Products
11.2016 - 10.2017
  • Responsible for formulation and prototype submissions for numerous contract customers
  • Responsible for overseeing initial production batches
  • Responsible for procurement of new raw materials for newly formulated products
  • Formulations primarily hair care

Colorful Products/ Cosmetics Development Systems
09.2015 - 10.2016
  • Responsible for formulation and formulation management for busy contract manufacturer
  • Responsible for production batch initiation, approval, and quality control
  • Responsible for approval and acquisition of new raw materials
  • Formulated 20 new products-@ 15 accepted by customers
  • Acquired moderate proficiency with LIMS/Production Management system known as AMICS

Edge Systems
Signal Hill
10.2014 - 09.2015
  • Responsible for development of protocol for cosmetic/medical device interface, including human stem cell project
  • Responsible for constructing, equipping, and maintaining state of the art cosmetics formulation and stability laboratories
  • Responsible for formulation and formulation management
  • Responsible for weekly/daily (as needed) assignment and supervision of production batches
  • Products from cosmetic to functional to OTC
  • Responsible for technology transfer
  • Gained Moderate proficiency in LIMS/Production/Inventory program known as PIC

Formulator and Laboratory Manager

Calwax (Remet Corp.)
Irwindale
09.2013 - 10.2014
  • Managed laboratory-All everyday workings of the lab
  • Formulated products involving waxes and plastics- personal care/candles/medical devices/aerospace
  • Prioritized and confirmed all lab work for 2 techs
  • Authored official documents-Formulations, C of A's, MSDS, Product Data Sheets, SOP's
  • Developed specifications and managed new raw materials acquisitions
  • Met with new and existing customers and vendors on a regular basis
  • Gained proficiency in LIMS/Production system known as Chempax

R&D Chemist

Autumn Harp
Essex Junction
09.2012 - 09.2013
  • Company Overview: A producer of nature based personal care/cosmetics and home care products
  • Extremely valuable experience with natural protocols
  • Extensive formulations of truly natural products
  • Areas of experience include natural baby products, sun care, and color
  • Development of stability protocols for natural personal care and OTC
  • 10 products to market
  • Gained knowledge of suppliers of natural materials
  • Became proficient in LIMS/Production System known as Product Vision
  • A producer of nature based personal care/cosmetics and home care products

Chemist

Blaine Labs
Santa Fe Springs
09.2010 - 09.2012
  • Company Overview: A producer of topical anti-fungal products, beauty products, and medical devices in Santa Fe Springs, CA
  • Designed and managed construction of state of the art R&D laboratory
  • Assisted with design and building of new production and fill line area
  • Reverse engineered and reformulated legacy products
  • Formulated approximately 30 new products
  • Set up QC area and outlined QC responsibilities
  • Directly supervised 4 employees
  • Worked closely with FDA and consultants in developing SOP's
  • Worked closely with FDA and consultants in acquiring appropriate manufacturing licenses
  • Developed work flow process and batch record system with cross-departmental applications
  • Conducted meetings and training associated with bringing manufacturing process in house
  • Coordinated materials acquisition and deliveries with external suppliers and internal accounting department
  • A producer of topical anti-fungal products, beauty products, and medical devices in Santa Fe Springs, CA

The Hain Celestial Group
Culver City
06.2009 - 07.2010
  • Worked on a consulting basis, in the prototype development of more nature based personal care products, with an emphasis on OTC chemical and mineral sunscreens and sun blocks.
  • Other prototypes developed were in the categories of OTC acne treatments, hand and body lotions, and moisturizers.
  • Have gained significant experience in natural formulation protocols: FDA and FDA Organic, WFP (Whole Food Premium), NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), and NPA(Natural Products Association).
  • Worked extensively with compounding and production departments in the process development of new and existing products, developing procedures that were cost effective, while considerate of specifications and protocols.
  • Worked extensively with QA in the development of specifications for the products in my areas of responsibility and expertise.

Senior Formulating Technician

JOHNSON & JOHNSON- Neutrogena's Research and Development Labs
Los Angeles
09.2000 - 02.2009
  • Worked within Neutrogena's R&D organization, performing functions in all laboratories
  • Over a 1month period, developed and implemented new procedures that immediately reduced microbiological contamination of pilot study products by 80%.
  • Engineered changes to equipment that instantly reduced water loss of pilot study products by 20%
  • Monitored all pilot study products destined for market, to determine shelf life.
  • Evaluated and compiled information into reports, based upon designated observable parameters
  • Analyzed active ingredient and preservative content on laboratory prototypes and pilot study products that were assessed as being potentially marketable.
  • Through the use of Cytoflouresence and Aerobic Plate Count Testing, determined the potential and actual microbiological contamination of products being tested for market potential, while virtually eliminating a three-month sample
  • DEVELOPMENT OF LABORATORY PROTOTYPES
  • Performed all support functions that facilitated bringing all projects/products from concept to market readiness and product launch, including close and careful collaboration with internal partners such as QA, marketing, packaging, and external partners including contract manufacturing facilities
  • Responsible for the formulation, development, and redevelopment of products from inception through hands on, lab bench formulation to process development and production scale-up. This represents almost 110marketed products.

Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor

EQUILON - Shell/Texaco Lubricant Division joint venture
Wilmington
01.1998 - 01.1999
  • Company Overview: A lubricant blending and bulk marine fuel facility serving the US West Coast & Asia/Pacific
  • Personally supervised entire quality staff
  • Resolved bulk transport shipping issues.
  • Performed high priority research and development functions
  • Reformulated and developed new specifications for products slated for Shell/Texaco rebranding.
  • Reformulated marine (nuclear powered submarines and surface vessels) engine lubricants for Defense Logistics Agency
  • Systematized laboratory procedures in successful effort to secure ISO 9000 Certification for Wilmington, CA facility.
  • Calibrated and maintained complex laboratory equipment
  • Collaborated closely with Shell Oil's International Research & Development Laboratories

Quality Control Analyst

CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Cit-Con Lubricant Division
Lake Charles
01.1978 - 01.1997
  • Performed routine analysis of process control samples and finished product samples.
  • Submitted reports to supervision recommending testing procedures.
  • Assisted in implementation of laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
  • Aided in ISO 9000 Standardization.
  • Calibrated and maintained HP Gas Chromatograph (ten years experience).
  • Attained First Responder Certification.

Education

B.S. -

McNeese State University
Lake Charles, Louisiana

Skills

Product Formulation

Project/Product Management

Regulatory Compliance

Cross Departmental Collaboration

Troubleshooting

Contract Manufacturing

Product Launch Readiness

Technical Knowledge of Multiple Idustries

Affiliations

Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Southern California

Major Award

2006, Neutrogena Research & Development Employee Excellence Award, Exclusive companywide winner of this award in 2006

Timeline

Colorful Products/ Cosmetics Development Systems
01.2020 - Current

Jafra Cosmetics
09.2019 - 01.2020

Seed Beauty
03.2019 - 09.2019

I-Shay Cosmetics
02.2018 - 02.2019

Aware Products
11.2016 - 10.2017

Colorful Products/ Cosmetics Development Systems
09.2015 - 10.2016

Edge Systems
10.2014 - 09.2015

Formulator and Laboratory Manager

Calwax (Remet Corp.)
09.2013 - 10.2014

R&D Chemist

Autumn Harp
09.2012 - 09.2013

Chemist

Blaine Labs
09.2010 - 09.2012

The Hain Celestial Group
06.2009 - 07.2010

Senior Formulating Technician

JOHNSON & JOHNSON- Neutrogena's Research and Development Labs
09.2000 - 02.2009

Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor

EQUILON - Shell/Texaco Lubricant Division joint venture
01.1998 - 01.1999

Quality Control Analyst

CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Cit-Con Lubricant Division
01.1978 - 01.1997

B.S. -

McNeese State University
Rodney Fontenot