A Sunscreen Brand War Has Exposed a Big Need

Mamaearth and Lakme have ended hostilities but shown how acutely India is in need of efficacy-focused regulatory standards for such products. It will strengthen Indian brands

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Honasa and Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) have, under the court's auspices, settled their dispute over an advertisement by HUL's Lakme that trashed the efficacy of Honasa's Mamaearth sunscreen in offering actual protection.

HUL is modifying its ads and Mamaearth is removing its social media posts that disparage Lakme. The peace may or may not prove durable, but the sun continues to blaze, and—as if global warming is not bad enough—our skin remains vulnerable to its ultraviolet rays.

These are of two types: UV rays of type A reach deep under our skin, while the shorter-wavelength B variety rays do not go too deep but redden the skin and leave a tan that many dread. Both kinds have the potential to cause skin cancer, although Indian skin-tones typically have enough pigment to offer some protection. Type A rays accelerate the ageing of our skin. Further, some kinds of medication strip the skin of its natural protection from UV rays, making it essential to use special lotions.