In India, influencer-led independent lab tests claimed that 6 out of 10 top-selling sunscreens failed to deliver even half of their claimed SPF.
These findings shook consumer trust in several popular skincare brands and drew attention to the lack of standardized SPF testing and enforcement in the Indian cosmetics market.
✅ Brands that reportedly passed or met/exceeded claimed SPF
- Lakmé – Claimed SPF 50+; tested ~52.96. Business Standard+2Moneycontrol+2
- Minimalist – Claimed SPF 50+; tested ~78.54. Business Standard+1
- The Derma Co. – Claimed SPF 50+; tested ~79.72. Business Standard+1
- Aqualogica – Claimed SPF 50+; tested ~146.08 (an unusually high result). Business Standard+1
❌ Brands that reportedly failed — delivered much lower than claimed SPF
- Renee – Claimed SPF 70+; tested ~12.81. Business Standard+1
- WishCare – Claimed SPF 50+; tested ~12.94. Business Standard+1
- Dot & Key – Claimed SPF 50+; tested ~14.98. Business Standard+1
- Lotus – Claimed SPF 50+; tested ~16.89. Business Standard+1
- Deconstruct – Claimed SPF 55+; tested ~17.82. Business Standard+1
- Foxtale – Claimed SPF 55+; tested ~36.9 (though better than some, still below claim). Business Standard
The controversy prompted discussions around:
- Stricter BIS testing norms for SPF and UVA ratings.
- Transparency in labeling and ingredient disclosure.
- Growing consumer demand for third-party verified SPF results and broad-spectrum certifications.
⚠️ Notes & caveats
- These tests were in‐vitro (lab / non-human subject) using ISO 24443 / COLIPA 2011 protocols. Business Standard+1
- Some dermatologists have raised concerns about influencer methodology, independence of the funding, and whether in-vitro results fully reflect real‐world performance. Moneycontrol+1
- The unusually high test result for Aqualogica (~146 SPF) is suspicious and suggests possible testing / reporting anomalies.
