About Srichand
Overview
Srichand (Thai: ศรีจันทร์) is a prominent Thai beauty and cosmetics company with origins dating back to 1948. While it initially gained fame as a traditional pharmacy product, specifically for its scented facial powder, the brand has evolved into a comprehensive modern beauty house. Srichand positions itself by leveraging deep expertise in Thai skin types and the tropical climate, offering a wide range of products including translucent powders, skincare, sunscreens, and makeup. The company operates under the entity Srichand United Dispensary Co., Ltd. and is currently led by third-generation family member Rawit Hanutsaha.
Quick Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Brand | Srichand / ศรีจันทร์ |
| Country of Origin | Thailand 🇹🇭 |
| Founded | 1948 |
| Founder | Phong Hanutsaha (พงษ์ หาญอุตสาหะ) |
| Company | Srichand United Dispensary Co., Ltd. |
| Headquarters | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Industry | Beauty, cosmetics, skincare, health & wellness |
| Best Known For | Srichand Face Powders / Translucent Powder |
| Current CEO | Rawit Hanutsaha (รวิศ หาญอุตสาหะ) |
| Key Milestone | Major rebranding and modernization in 2014 |
| Positioning | Thai beauty brand focused on understanding Thai skin |
Origins in the 1940s
The history of Srichand is intertwined with Thailand’s traditional pharmaceutical industry. According to official corporate records, Phong Hanutsaha was operating a pharmaceutical business when he acquired the formula for a scented facial powder from Dr. Leng Srichand. In 1948, the enterprise was formally established as Srichand United Dispensary (ห้างขายยาศรีจันทร์สหโอสถ). Early operations encompassed pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and cosmetics 1.
While some historical accounts trace the family’s commercial activities to 1942, the company officially cites 1948 as its founding year, marking the acquisition of the signature powder formula 1.
The Original Product
The brand’s initial identity was built around Srichand Scented Powder, a traditional Thai facial powder. It became widely used for managing oiliness and maintaining a smooth complexion. Its distinctive yellow-and-blue packaging became an iconic visual recognizable to generations of Thai consumers 1.
Transition to Heritage Brand
For decades, Srichand remained a household name in Thailand. However, as the global cosmetics market modernized and international brands entered the scene, Srichand began to be perceived primarily as a nostalgic product associated with older generations rather than contemporary beauty trends. The company acknowledged that while the brand possessed strong heritage, this association risked becoming a liability if not revitalized for younger consumers 1.
Leadership Change
A pivotal moment occurred in 2006 when Rawit Hanutsaha, a third-generation member of the founding family, joined the business. His objective was to transform Srichand from an old-fashioned family enterprise into a competitive modern cosmetics brand. This period involved significant organizational restructuring aimed at enhancing international competitiveness 1.
Strategic Initiatives
The revival strategy included:
- Modernizing the brand image and visual identity.
- Redesigning packaging to appeal to contemporary aesthetics.
- Improving product formulations to meet modern standards.
- Conducting research into consumer behavior.
- Developing new cosmetic lines.
- Adopting new marketing channels.
- Retaining Thai identity while ensuring relevance to younger demographics.
The 2014 Rebranding
In 2014, Srichand executed a major rebranding initiative. The traditional “Srichand Scented Powder” identity was expanded into the broader SRICHAND cosmetics brand. Rather than discarding its heritage, the company used its historical reputation as a foundation for a modern portfolio. Products were reformulated, packaging was updated, and distribution networks were expanded 1. This transition marked the shift from a single-product legacy brand to a diversified beauty house.
Key Product: Translucent Powder
If one product defines modern Srichand, it is the translucent powder. The Srichand Translucent Powder successfully bridged the gap between the brand’s traditional roots and modern makeup expectations.
Key features include:
- Finely milled texture.
- Lightweight feel.
- Oil-control capabilities.
- Makeup setting performance.
- Formulation suited for hot and humid climates.
Watsons reported that the Srichand Translucent Powder became Thailand’s best-selling translucent powder in 2015 2. This product remains central to the brand’s current portfolio, particularly through variants like the Bare to Perfect Translucent Powder, which utilizes oil-control technology for long-wear results 1.
Product Portfolio
Srichand has expanded beyond powder into several major categories, reflecting its growth into a holistic beauty and wellness company 13.
Makeup
Makeup remains a core category, featuring:
- Translucent and pressed/foundation powders.
- Liquid foundations and base makeup.
- Lip products and complexion enhancers.
Skincare
The brand has substantially invested in skincare, launching products such as:
- Essences, serums, and gel creams.
- Brightening and anti-aging treatments.
- Barrier-care solutions targeting uneven skin tone.
- The Skin Moisture Burst series, focusing on hydration across essence, serum, and cream formats 1.
Sunscreen
Sun protection is another key pillar. Srichand positions its sunscreen line, Sunlution, not just as UV protection but as skincare-infused formulas designed for daily use 1.
Other Beauty Products
The official store also lists additional items such as hair powder, facial masks, and various specialized skincare treatments, indicating a move toward broader beauty and wellness offerings 3.
Understanding Thai Skin
A central tenet of Srichand’s philosophy is local expertise. The company argues that Thai consumers have specific needs driven by factors such as hot and humid weather, prevalent oily or combination skin types, and local lifestyle habits. Consequently, Srichand develops products tailored to Asian and Thai skin conditions rather than simply adapting Western formulations 1.
Heritage as an Asset
Unlike many brands that obscure their age, Srichand integrates its nearly 80-year history into its modern appeal. The brand retains the name SRICHAND and its Thai script (ศรีจันทร์) to emphasize authenticity. The positioning message has shifted from being an “old powder company” to being a “Thai beauty brand that understands your skin.” This approach turns heritage into a competitive advantage, distinguishing the brand in a crowded market 1.
Marketing and Cultural Presence
To maintain relevance with younger audiences and expand international visibility, Srichand has engaged in contemporary marketing campaigns. In late 2024, the brand appointed BamBam (Kunpimook Bhuwakul), the Thai-born K-pop artist and member of GOT7, as a Global Artist. This partnership supports the “SRICHAND IN-SKIN” campaign, aiming to strengthen the brand’s image both domestically and abroad 1.
Target Market
Historically, Srichand served Thai consumers seeking affordable, practical beauty solutions. Today, its audience includes:
- Core: Young adults and makeup users in Thailand who seek affordable-to-mid-priced products suited to tropical climates.
- Secondary: International consumers interested in T-beauty (Thai beauty) and authentic Asian skincare routines. The brand’s long-standing history provides a narrative depth that newer competitors often lack.
Industry Significance
Srichand is recognized as a significant player in Thailand’s cosmetics industry. The Department of International Trade Promotion has highlighted the brand as one that helped shape the country’s beauty sector, noting its evolution from an iconic powder to a diversified skincare and makeup provider 1. Its importance lies in demonstrating the successful transition from traditional Thai remedies to modern cosmetic science.
Business Identity
The operating entity is Srichand United Dispensary Co., Ltd. (บริษัท ศรีจันทร์สหโอสถ จำกัด), headquartered in Suan Luang, Bangkok. The company remains family-led under CEO Rawit Hanutsaha. Its strategic direction is defined by the concept of Health, Wellness, and Beauty (HWB), signaling ambitions beyond traditional color cosmetics 1.
Timeline
- 1948: Srichand United Dispensary established; Phong Hanutsaha acquires the scented powder formula 1.
- 1950s–1990s: Srichand Scented Powder becomes a staple Thai beauty product.
- 1988: Corporate name changed to Srichand United Dispensary Co., Ltd. 1.
- 2006: Rawit Hanutsaha joins the business, initiating the brand revival 1.
- 2014: Major rebranding transforms the company into the modern SRICHAND cosmetics brand 1.
- 2015: Srichand Translucent Powder reported as Thailand’s best-selling translucent powder 2.
- 2017 onwards: Significant expansion of product portfolio and international ambitions 2.
- 2020s: Expansion into skincare, sunscreen, and broader wellness categories 1.
- 2024: Appointment of BamBam as Global Artist for the IN-SKIN campaign 1.
- 2026: Continued positioning as a comprehensive Thai beauty brand spanning makeup, skincare, and sunscreen 1.
Conclusion
Srichand serves as a case study in successful heritage-brand transformation. By leveraging its origins as a trusted pharmacy brand and adapting to modern cosmetic standards, it has maintained relevance in a rapidly changing market. The brand’s focus on local skin expertise, combined with accessible pricing and modern branding, allows it to compete effectively against multinational corporations while retaining its unique Thai identity.




