HUL Approaches Bombay High Court Over Sunscreen Ad Against Honasa Consumer

Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has moved the Bombay High Court against Honasa Consumer, alleging that one of its advertisements targets and disparages the Lakmé brand. The ad in question, released by The Derma Co (a Honasa brand), appeared on a billboard and read: “Hey Lakmé, Congratulations on finally getting SPF 50 in-vivo tested. Welcome to The Derma Co Standard.” HUL has sought a court order to stop Honasa from making further such references.

As of 9:23 AM on April 17, 2025, Hindustan Unilever share price was trading at ₹2346, a 0.87% down, while Honasa Consumer share price was trading at ₹229.57, a 0.23% down.

Parallel Case in Delhi High Court

This development follows a separate case filed earlier by Honasa Consumer in the Delhi High Court. The company alleged that a Lakmé advertisement titled SPF Lie Detector Test was misleading and portrayed competing sunscreens as delivering lower SPF protection than claimed. The visuals used in the ad reportedly resembled Derma Co’s sunscreen packaging.

Observations from the Delhi Court

At a preliminary hearing on April 16, the Delhi High Court noted that the Lakmé advertisement appeared “disparaging on the face of it.” The court stated that while comparative advertising is allowed, a trader cannot defame a competitor’s product. HUL has been asked to respond. The next hearing is scheduled for April 17.

Disagreement Over SPF Claims

The dispute centres around in-vivo SPF testing, a clinical method used to verify sun protection levels. HUL stated that Lakmé products have followed in-vivo testing standards since 2015. Honasa has also cited in-vivo results, noting its SPF 50 product was tested and certified at SPF 50.169.

Statements and Media Remarks

Honasa co-founder Ghazal Alagh shared the Derma Co billboard on social media, indirectly referring to the Lakmé campaign. She also commented on increased competition in the skincare segment.

Both cases come at a time when India’s sunscreen market is growing, estimated at around ₹2,000 crore, as per the reports. The legal dispute has brought focus on the lack of clear advertising regulations in the country.

Conclusion

With both companies now involved in parallel legal proceedings in different courts, the dispute marks a larger conversation about advertising practices and product testing in India’s personal care industry.

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