A viral exposé by Noida-based influencer Nitin Joshi has ignited a firestorm across India’s skincare industry, raising serious questions about sunscreen efficacy, marketing ethics, and regulatory oversight.

Joshi, who commands a following of 1.6 million on Instagram, independently purchased 10 of India’s top-selling sunscreens and sent them for testing to two government-certified labs: MS Clinical Research Pvt Ltd (Bengaluru) and the Centre for Cruelty-Free Testing. The results were alarming—six out of ten products failed to deliver even half the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) they claimed on their labels.

Among the worst performers were brands like Renee, WishCare, and Dot & Key, which advertised SPF 50+ but reportedly offered protection closer to SPF 15. Joshi’s video, titled “Sunscreen Scam Exposed,” has garnered millions of views and triggered a wave of consumer outrage and brand backlash.

Key Revelations:

– Independent labs found significant SPF discrepancies in 60% of tested products.

– Joshi personally funded the ₹2 lakh testing initiative to ensure impartiality.

– The controversy has prompted calls for stricter labelling laws and third-party verification.

Industry experts warn that misleading SPF claims not only erode consumer trust but also endanger public health, especially in a country with high UV exposure. “This isn’t just a marketing issue—it’s a safety issue,” said one dermatologist.

Meanwhile, some brands have pushed back, questioning the testing methodology and accusing Joshi of sensationalism. Others have promised internal reviews and reformulations.

Time for interrogating the science behind SPF testing, the ethics of influencer-led accountability, and the urgent need for regulatory reform in India’s booming dermocosmetic sector