In the latest update on the sunscreen advertising dispute, Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has agreed to modify its Lakme sunscreen ad campaign following a challenge by Honasa Consumer, the parent company of Mamaearth and The Derma Co. The dispute, brought before the Delhi High Court, centered around an ad that indirectly targeted a rival SPF 50 sunscreen, claiming it offered only SPF 20 protection.
During the hearing, HUL agreed to replace the term “online bestseller” with “some sellers” in its ads. To avoid visual similarities with Honasa products, HUL will also change the product color shown in the ad from orange to light yellow. Additionally, HUL will remove digital versions of the original campaign and update billboards with modified versions.
In response, Honasa Consumer has also agreed to take down its social media posts related to the dispute.
HUL emphasized that there is no injunction against Lakme’s campaign and said it would continue with the “Sun Superiority” campaign, now with the agreed changes. The company reiterated its commitment to raising SPF awareness, ensuring consumer safety, and promoting scientific testing standards.
According to HUL, the campaign is part of Lakme’s broader mission to set new benchmarks in sun protection in India. The brand stressed that some sunscreen sellers have misled consumers with false SPF claims, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in the sun care category.
