Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), the company behind Lakme, is facing legal action over its new ad campaign. Honasa Consumer Ltd—owner of skincare brands Mamaearth and The Derma Co.—has taken the matter to the Delhi High Court, accusing HUL of running a misleading advertisement that damages the reputation of its sunscreen products.
What Is the Issue?
Honasa claims that Lakme’s “SPF Lie Detector Test” advertisement spreads false and negative messages about sunscreens made by other companies. The ad shows a dramatic “hit and run” scenario where some sunscreen products fail to pass the SPF test. One of the sunscreens shown in the video, according to Honasa, looks very similar to The Derma Co.’s packaging. They argue that the ad creates doubt in the minds of consumers and indirectly attacks their products without naming them.
Honasa believes this kind of messaging confuses consumers and unfairly damages the trust and reputation that brands like Mamaearth and The Derma Co. have built over time. They say the ad was intentionally designed to make people lose confidence in their sunscreen’s quality.
What Does HUL Say?
In its defense, HUL said the ad is based on a scientific method called in-vivo SPF testing, which is globally accepted. This method checks whether sunscreen really protects skin from the sun, and HUL says Lakme has been using it since 2015. According to HUL, many new online brands make false SPF claims, and the purpose of the ad was to warn Indian consumers and promote awareness about safe sun protection—not to target any specific brand.
HUL also said that ineffective sunscreens can cause serious skin issues like pigmentation and premature ageing, and that the ad was made in the interest of public health.
What Did the Court Say?
During the first hearing, the Delhi High Court said that the ad clearly sends a negative message and asked HUL to respond to the complaint. Honasa is requesting the court to stop the ad immediately, as it believes the campaign is harming its brand image.
The next hearing is scheduled for April 17, 2025, when both companies will present their side of the story in more detail.
A Bigger Battle in the Skincare Industry
This case is more than just about one advertisement—it highlights the increasing competition in India’s skincare market. Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth, also reacted to the issue, saying that traditional FMCG giants like HUL have grown too comfortable, while startups like Mamaearth and The Derma Co. are driving innovation, transparency, and honesty in product claims and ingredient safety.
As the court case continues, it’s clear that advertising plays a big role in influencing consumer trust. With both sides standing firm, the outcome of this legal battle could have a major impact on how skincare brands communicate in the future.
