Rodney Fontenot
Topanga,CA
Summary
Formulating Chemist, with extensive experience in Research and Development and Production with global leaders in the skin care and petroleum industries. Broad background in the development of new, cutting edge products forever-changing global markets. Thorough knowledge of formulation technology, stability testing, analytical testing, microbiological testing, and process development. Collaborates closely with formulating scientists leading to the creation of laboratory prototypes with exceptional standards of quality and aesthetics. “Hands-on,” “get it done,” work ethic. Knowledgeable in regulatory compliance as well as standardization and safety compliance: 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
Senior Chemist
Colorful Products/ Cosmetics Development Systems
Newbury Park, CA
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)
Senior Chemist
Jafra Cosmetics
Westlake Village, CA
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
Senior Chemist
Seed Beauty
Oxnard, CA
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
Senior Chemist
I-Shay Cosmetics
Carson, CA
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
Senior Chemist
Aware Products
Chatsworth, CA
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
Senior Chemist
Colorful Products/ Cosmetics Development Systems
Newbury Park, CA
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
Senior Chemist
Edge Systems ( The Hydrofacial Company)
Signal Hill, CA
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, CA
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, Vermont
09.2012 - 09.2013
- 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
- Over 200 formulations-approximately 10 products to market
- Gained knowledge of suppliers of natural materials
- Became proficient in LIMS/Production System known as Product Vision
Chemist
Blaine Labs
Santa Fe Springs, CA
09.2010 - 09.2012
- 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
Chemist
The Hain Celestial Group
Culver City, CA
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, CA
09.2000 - 02.2009
- In Process Development : 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%
- Stability Laboratory: Monitored all pilot study products destined for market, to determine shelf life.Evaluated and compiled information into reports, based upon designated observable parameters
- Analytical Laboratory : Analyzed active ingredient and preservative content on laboratory prototypes and pilot study products that were assessed as being potentially marketable
- Microbiology Laboratory : Through the use of Cytofluoresence 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 backlog
- Skin Care Formulation Laboratory : 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 production facilities
- Responsible for the formulation, development, and redevelopment of the products below-from inception through hands on, lab bench formulation to process development and production scale-up :
- Entire Visibly Firm line targeting women 25yrs+
- Men’s line targeting men of all ages
- Ultra Sheer SPF 30 & 45, Ultra Sheer SPF 55 with Helioplex sun protection technology, all currently leveraged for J&J brands Neutrogena, Sundown, and Aveeno
- Aerosol sun protection technology for Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Sunblock Spray SPF30/45 and Ultra-Sheer Spray SPF30/45/70 with technology leveraged to J&J EU
- Sunless tanning aerosol sprays, targeting an ever growing market of those who wish to avoid sun exposure
- Aerosol spray emulsions that are designed to provide extremely water resistant sun protection for babies and younger children also leveraged to J&J EU
- Developed products in Neutrogena's Acne Line
Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor
EQUILON - Shell/Texaco Lubricant Division joint venture
Wilmington, CA
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Personally supervised a staff of 3 quality control technicians.
- Analyzed and approved/disapproved routine and special product shipments.
- Resolved bulk transport shipping issues.
- Performed high priority research and development functions in addition to quality control duties.
- 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, salvaging Shell Oil’s lucrative military marine contract, while gaining knowledge of military specification systems.
- Systematized laboratory procedures in successful effort to secure ISO 9000 Certification for Wilmington, CA facility.
- Calibrated and maintained complex laboratory equipment, including the Phillips Atomic Spectrometer.
- Collaborated closely and frequently with Shell Oil’s International Research & Development Laboratories at Westhollow, Houston, TX.
Quality Control Analyst
CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Cit-Con Lubricant Division
Lake Charles, Louisiana
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. - undefined
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LouisianaSkills
Product Formulation
Project/ Product Management
Regulatory Compliance
Cross Departmental Collaboration
Troubleshooting
Contract Manufacturing
Product Launch Readiness
Technical Knowledge in Multiple Industries
Awards
2006-Neutrogena Research & Development Employee Excellence Award, (Exclusive companywide winner of this award in 2006)
Affiliations
Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Southern California
Timeline
Senior Chemist
Colorful Products/ Cosmetics Development Systems
01.2020 - Current
Senior Chemist
Jafra Cosmetics
09.2019 - 01.2020
Senior Chemist
Seed Beauty
03.2019 - 09.2019
Senior Chemist
I-Shay Cosmetics
02.2018 - 02.2019
Senior Chemist
Aware Products
11.2016 - 10.2017
Senior Chemist
Colorful Products/ Cosmetics Development Systems
09.2015 - 10.2016
Senior Chemist
Edge Systems ( The Hydrofacial Company)
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
Chemist
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. - undefined
McNeese State University