Maria Gutierrez

Dermalogica | Carson, CA
Stability Technician
February 2025 – Present
• Conduct stability testing on cosmetic and skincare formulations to ensure product quality, safety, and compliance standards are met.
• Evaluate and analyze formulas throughout stability studies, documenting changes in appearance, color, odor, texture, and overall product performance.
• Perform analytical testing including pH, viscosity, and specific gravity (SPG) measurements.
• Identify, investigate, and document Out-of-Specification (OOS) results and communicate findings to management and cross-functional teams.
• Prepare, track, and submit samples for PET (Preservative Efficacy Testing), microbiological testing, assay testing, and protein testing.
• Review and approve bulk production batches to ensure compliance with quality specifications before release to manufacturing.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records, testing reports, and stability documentation in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Quality Control, Research & Development, and Production teams to support product development and manufacturing operations.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and operating within established standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing test results and recommending corrective actions when necessary.
McKenna Labs | Fullerton, CA
QC Stability Technician
April 2018 – January 2025
• Performed stability testing including pH, viscosity, specific gravity (SPG), finished good weight loss, and pump testing.
• Monitored and documented changes in product odor, color, and appearance.
• Calibrated viscometers monthly, pH meters daily, weighing scales weekly, and thermometers annually.
• Maintained daily temperature logs for stability chambers.
• Managed R&D formula stability studies, packaging compatibility testing, first-fill product stability, and stability reporting.
• Coordinated assay testing for stability samples, in-process bulk products, and finished goods.
• Reported out-of-specification (OOS) results promptly to supervisors and managers.
• Purchased supplies for QC and R&D laboratories.
• Maintained compliance with safety procedures and laboratory standards.
• Assisted with troubleshooting, testing, and system performance optimization.
• Demonstrated adaptability in learning new technologies and procedures.

• Tested pH, viscosity, SPG, Finished Good Weight Loss, Finished Good Pump Test and noted any changes in odor, color, and appearance of stability products
• Calibrated viscometers monthly, pH meters daily, weighing scales weekly, and thermometers yearly
• Managed daily temperature log of stability chambers
• Responsible for handling R&D formula stability, packaging compatibility, first fill product stability, and creating/filling stability reports
• Responsible for sending out assays for stability, in-process bulk, and finished goods
• Reported any OOS immediately to supervisor/manager
• Managed purchasing of supplies for QC and R&D labs
• Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines
• Completed complex repairs quickly by leveraging strong diagnostic skills and attention to details
• Demonstrates adaptability when faced with new challenges or technologies, enabling quick mastery of necessary skills
• Optimized system performance through testing and analysis
• Collaborated with colleagues to review translations for consistency and quality control purposes

• Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance
• Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices
• Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression
• Maintained a well-organized reception area
• Supported office efficiency by performing clerical tasks such as data entry, photocopying, scanning, and faxing documents

• Received incoming shipments, compared contents against associated records and transmitted to proper department.
• Packaged goods in safe containers to prepare for shipping, adhering to packaging protocols.