Lakme Sunscreen Ad Sparks Legal Fight Between Honasa and Hindustan Unilever

Lakme’s new ad campaign has landed its parent company, Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), in legal trouble. Honasa Consumer Ltd, the company behind Mamaearth and The Derma Co., has taken the issue to the Delhi High Court. Honasa says Lakme’s “SPF Lie Detector Test” ad wrongly targets and misleads people about its sunscreen products.

What Is the Dispute About?

According to Honasa, the Lakme ad uses misleading visuals and messaging to cast doubt on the SPF claims of competing sunscreens. One of the products shown in the ad is said to resemble packaging from The Derma Co., a popular brand under the Honasa umbrella. The ad portrays a dramatic “hit and run” scenario to suggest that some sunscreens fail to deliver on their SPF promises.

Honasa argues that the ad misleads consumers by unfairly questioning the effectiveness of rival products, including its own. The company has accused HUL of using a campaign that damages the credibility and trust Honasa has built with its customers.

HUL Defends Its Campaign

Hindustan Unilever responded by saying the Lakme ad is based on in-vivo SPF testing, which is a trusted global method. They said many online brands make false SPF claims, but Lakme has used in-vivo testing since 2015 to help ensure Indian consumers get safe and reliable sunscreens.

The company emphasised the health risks of ineffective sunscreens, including pigmentation and premature ageing, saying their intention was to highlight the need for trustworthy sun protection.

Delhi High Court Looks into the Matter

After the first hearing, the Delhi High Court said the ad looked clearly negative and asked HUL to reply. Honasa wants the ad removed quickly, saying it harms the image of its brands. The case is scheduled for the next hearing on April 17, 2025, where both sides will present their arguments.

A Growing Rivalry in Indian Skincare

Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh also weighed in, calling out long-standing FMCG brands for becoming complacent. She credited startups like Mamaearth and The Derma Co. for pushing innovation and transparency, especially around ingredient safety and product claims.

As the battle heats up in court, it also reflects the growing competitiveness in India’s skincare market—and the power of advertising in shaping consumer trust.

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