Foundation and early expansion

Chando was established in Shanghai in 2001 by chairman Zheng Chunying, who aimed to create a Chinese brand capable of achieving international recognition 6. The brand was developed under what was then known as JALA Group, centred on the philosophy of learning from nature and promoting natural beauty 6. During its early expansion, Chando appointed actress Chen Hao as its first spokesperson and introduced a second generation of products 8. Through advertising on national and satellite television and the establishment of department store counters, the company evolved from a specialist skincare provider into a widely recognised cosmetics brand 8.

Shanghai World Expo and Himalayan identity

A significant milestone occurred during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, where Chando participated as an official representative of China’s cosmetics industry 10. At this event, the brand launched its Snow Region series and formally established the Himalayas as its primary source of inspiration and ingredients 10. This pivot defined Chando’s modern identity, linking its product philosophy directly to the glaciers, alpine plants and minerals of the region 5.

Scientific research and environmental initiatives

From 2013, Chando expanded its focus on cosmetic science through microbiological research and collaboration with the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences 7. This included space breeding experiments for yeast strains and the development of a space skincare programme associated with manned spacecraft 7. In 2016, the brand initiated the “Grass Planting in Himalaya” environmental project in Shigatse, which has been recognised by the United Nations as a biodiversity-positive practice 11. In January 2024, JALA (Group) Co., Ltd. officially renamed itself Shanghai CHANDO Group Co., Ltd. to reflect Chando’s status as its central corporate brand 9.

Chando’s philosophy integrates traditional Chinese thought with modern science, based on the belief that humans are part of nature and should follow its laws 3. The brand asserts that natural beauty already exists within every individual, with skincare serving to reveal rather than transform this inherent quality 4. Its stated mission is “to inspire confidence and let natural beauty shine”, while its vision is to become a globally recognised beauty and wellness brand 4.

The Himalayas serve as the defining element of Chando’s identity, referred to by the company as the “Third Pole” of the Earth 5. Product development combines natural resources such as glacier water and alpine botanicals with biotechnology and formulation research to make these ingredients effective for skincare 7. This synthesis of natural sourcing and technological application underpins the brand’s description of itself as a “natural high-tech brand” 2.

Chando offers a comprehensive range of beauty products beyond facial skincare, including makeup, men’s grooming and personal care items 1. Historically, its skincare lines have heavily featured Himalayan-inspired ingredients, such as glacier water and plant extracts, as core components of their formulations 6.

Technology plays an increasingly central role in the brand’s development. As of May 2026, Shanghai CHANDO Group reports operating 20 laboratories with 590 patent applications, 275 granted patents, participation in 49 national and industry standards, and over 220 scientific publications 11. Key innovations include HiMurchaSin, a yeast-derived ingredient technology developed independently over approximately ten years through microbiological and space-breeding research 7. Additionally, the company incorporated a 3D skin model using Chinese skin cells into its research programme in 2011 to better tailor products to its target demographic 7.

Chando operates as the cornerstone brand of Shanghai CHANDO Group, which maintains a multi-brand portfolio including MAYSU, Botanical Wisdom, SpringSummer, ASSASSINA, Biorrier and imine 9. The group has transitioned from a traditional cosmetics manufacturer to a digital-driven technology enterprise, emphasising both product innovation and digital capabilities 9.

Within the beauty industry, Chando distinguishes itself by combining Chinese cultural identity, Himalayan imagery and scientific research with mass-market accessibility 8. Rather than imitating Western luxury houses or relying solely on traditional herbal concepts, the brand represents a broader trend of Chinese companies developing products around local cultural identity and proprietary technology 8. While historically focused on the domestic market, Chando has increasingly pursued internationalisation, aiming to establish itself as a global beauty brand with a distinctive identity rooted in Eastern philosophy and Himalayan natural resources 11.

1. Tailored Skincare from the Himalayas
2. Tailored Skincare from the Himalayas
3. Tailored Skincare from the Himalayas
4. Tailored Skincare from the Himalayas
5. Natural Technology Brand From the Himalaya – CHANDO Group
6. CHANDO Skin Care – Face Care, Eye Care, Anti Aging, Soothing, Firm. – LookHealthyStore
7. Tailored Skincare from the Himalayas
8. Chando: How this Chinese beauty brand continues to thrive in China’s rising beauty sector
9. Chando: How this Chinese beauty brand continues to thrive in China’s rising beauty sector
10. Chando: How this Chinese beauty brand continues to thrive in China’s rising beauty sector
11. Natural Technology Brand From the Himalaya – CHANDO Group