India's sunscreen market needs mandatory SPF testing

The Indian sunscreen market is experiencing rapid growth, but a recent dispute highlighted the lack of mandatory standardized testing methods for sun protection factor (SPF) claims. This has raised concerns about product efficacy. A legal battle between Hindustan Unilever Limited and Honasa Consumer, over a comparative advertisement, brought the issue of SPF testing to the forefront. Currently, there are no mandatory SPF testing standards, despite the market's expansion to over 30 brands. While some companies use in-vivo testing, which is considered superior, it is not compulsory. The absence of mandatory testing raises questions about consumer protection and the need for global testing norms.