A fierce rivalry in India’s fast-growing skincare market has erupted into a courtroom clash, with two industry giants—Honasa Consumer Ltd (the parent company of Mamaearth and The Derma Co.) and Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL)—trading legal blows over sunscreen advertising.
The conflict was sparked by a recent Lakmé campaign promoting its SPF 50 sunscreen under the hashtag #LakméSPF50Truth100. The ad claims that some “online bestseller sunscreens” marketed as SPF 50 actually deliver protection closer to SPF 20, based on in-vivo clinical testing. Though it doesn’t directly name any brand, the visuals in the ad show yellow and orange bottles, a likely nod to competitors—particularly Honasa’s Derma Co. sunscreen, which comes in similarly styled packaging.
Honasa Hits Back
Honasa wasn’t amused. The company filed a lawsuit in Delhi High Court on Tuesday, alleging that the Lakmé campaign is a calculated move to damage the reputation of The Derma Co.’s sunscreen product. Honasa emphasized that its SPF 50 product has also undergone in-vivo testing, which showed a certified SPF rating of 50.169—a key element of its brand messaging.
Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Honasa, fired back on LinkedIn with a sarcastic welcome:
“Lakmé, welcome to the in-vivo tested SPF 50 club.”
She also posted a congratulatory graphic, taking a jab at Lakmé for only now entering the clinical testing space:
“It keeps brands from becoming sleepy, lethargic & brings more innovation for the consumers.”
Legal Drama Unfolds
During Wednesday’s court hearing, Senior Advocate Amit Sibal, representing Honasa, accused HUL of deliberately targeting The Derma Co. by showcasing packaging in the ad that closely resembles its product.
“My packaging is distinctive. People associate me with it. They are clearly targeting me,” Sibal argued.
Justice Amit Bansal acknowledged that the Lakmé ad appeared to be “disparaging on the face of it” and instructed HUL’s legal team to address the concerns raised. The court issued summons to HUL, requesting a formal response. The case is scheduled for further hearing on Thursday.
HUL Strikes Back
In a tit-for-tat move, HUL has also filed a countersuit against Honasa in Bombay High Court, alleging that Honasa’s public responses have disparaged Lakmé’s brand.
What’s at Stake?
With India’s sunscreen market heating up and consumers becoming more ingredient- and efficacy-conscious, both companies are fiercely protecting their turf. At the heart of the matter is not just SPF claims—but brand trust, scientific credibility, and market share.
This legal face-off may set an important precedent for how beauty and personal care brands advertise product efficacy and engage in competitive marketing in India.
