Sunscreen battle: HUL agrees to modify Lakme ad campaign, Honasa Consumer to take down related social media posts

HUL said that the campaign is part of Lakme’s broader commitment to set a new benchmark for sun protection standards in India

Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), on Thursday, agreed to make some modifications in its Lakme sunscreen ad campaign, which was challenged by DermaCo and Mamaearth’s parent company, Honasa Consumer in the Delhi High Court.

The disputed Lakme ad stated that an “online bestseller” sunscreen offered only SPF 20 protection despite claiming SPF 50.

During the hearing of the matter, HUL voluntarily agreed to replace the phrase “online bestseller” to “some sellers” in the ad campaign. It also agreed to change the colour of the product displayed for comparison in the ad from orange to light yellow to avoid visual similarities with Honasa’s product.

HUL undertook that it will remove digital posts about the campaign as well as replace its billboard with modified ads. Honasa Consumer also agreed to take down related social media posts.

In a statement, HUL said, “The Honourable Delhi High Court has permitted to continue with the campaign with some modifications. There is no injunction against the Lakme campaign. In return, Honasa has also agreed to take down their social media posts on all platforms.”

‘Need for awareness’

“We respect the outcome to continue with our Sun Superiority Campaign with some modifications. This demonstrates the pivotal need for raising awareness around SPF efficacy, transparency and accountability in the sun care category, keeping consumer interest and safety at the core. Lakmē has been conducting SPF efficacy and safety tests for over a decade, grounded in globally-accepted scientific protocols,” it added.

HUL said that the campaign is part of Lakme’s broader commitment to set a new benchmark for sun protection standards in India.

“Unfortunately, there are some sellers, who have been falsely claiming SPF 50. In the interest of consumers, upon independent testing by accredited labs, they fall far short of stated claims; misleading consumers on sunscreen, which has skin implications like pigmentation, skin ageing and spots. At Lakme, we will continue to reaffirm our unflinching commitment to integrity, consumer safety and scientific excellence, and be a leading voice to advocate for transparency and higher standards in skincare, by developing products backed by sound science, research and innovation,” the company added.

Published on April 17, 2025