How to Avoid Misleading Cosmetic Claims in India: A Guide to Regulatory Compliance and Responsible Marketing

How to Avoid Misleading Cosmetic Claims in India: A Guide to Regulatory Compliance and Responsible Marketing

Indian Cosmetics Market 2030: Growth and Challenges

India’s beauty and personal care industry is on a growing curve and has been projected to grow at a rate of 8.7% each year, which will reach $40.76 billion by 2030, (Source - Grand View Research). This growth has become crucial in shaping consumer decisions in the very vibrant and extremely competitive cosmetics sector, changing the market narratives. As the market is now governed by influencer marketing, it has led to a surge in misleading claims.

The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Cosmetic Claims in India

The 2024–25 ASCI report revealed that personal care, including cosmetics, was among the top violative categories, with 403 misleading ads flagged. Notably, 56% were due to a lack of “Honest Representations,” often seen in influencer-led promotions. Influencers sometimes exaggerate product claims or use filtered visuals, misleading consumers about real results.
This raises critical concerns about what constitutes a misleading cosmetic claim. To stay compliant, cosmetic brands must ensure all claims are evidence-based, avoid exaggeration, and mandate clear disclosure of paid partnerships, promoting transparency and trust in influencer-driven marketing campaigns.

What Is Misleading Cosmetic Claims?

Understanding Indian Cosmetics Regulations

In India, Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Cosmetics Rules, 2020 are the regulations in place which governs cosmetics. Rule 34 of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 makes it clear that “No cosmetic may claim or imply any idea that is false or misleading.” However, to understand the practicality of this clause, one needs to delve deeper into the various aspects of the product.

Key Types of Misleading Claims in Indian Cosmetic Advertising

In the highly competitive world of beauty and personal care, cosmetic brands often use bold marketing tactics to stand out. However, in many cases, these strategies cross ethical boundaries and result in misleading claims that can deceive consumers. In India, several types of misleading advertising practices have become increasingly common. These typically revolve around exaggerated promises, unverified benefits, and pseudoscientific jargon. One major category is:

1. Exaggerated Performance Claims Lacking Scientific Support

A prevalent form of misleading advertising involves overstated product results that are not backed by credible scientific data. Cosmetic brands frequently promise miraculous transformations with minimal use, such as:

• “Get glass skin just after one use.”
• “Scientifically proven to transform your scalp into a forest only after one use.”

These statements are crafted to captivate consumers by setting unrealistic expectations. They imply dramatic results that most users are unlikely to achieve, especially after a single application. Such claims exploit aspirational beauty standards and emotional vulnerabilities, making consumers believe in overnight changes.
What makes these claims problematic is the lack of transparency and scientific substantiation. Without robust clinical trials, peer-reviewed evidence, or dermatological validation, these performance promises become deceptive. When brands cannot back their assertions with factual data specific to the product and its intended consumer base, they cross into the territory of false advertising.
In summary, exaggerated performance claims are not just ethically questionable—they can mislead consumers into investing in products that don’t deliver what they promise. Regulatory bodies and consumers alike need to remain vigilant against such tactics in cosmetic marketing.

2. Avoiding Therapeutic Claims in Cosmetics

A cosmetic claim may be deemed misleading in India if it implies therapeutic or medicinal effect such as “heals pigmentation”, “repairs DNA for hair growth”, “cures acne”. As per the definition of Cosmetics as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, it is meant for “cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance”. Therapeutic claims could push the product into the purview of drug category which will subject the product to stricter controls. The formulator or marketer must understand the regulatory landscape for cosmetics and drugs to claim specific statements and avoid stricter regulatory scrutiny.

3. Creating Illusions: Technical Claims Without Scientific Evidence

This includes claims such as “dermatologically tested”, “clinically proven” or “formulated by doctors”. If these claims are made without credible evidence or study data, they create an illusion or ambiguity of the product’s true nature in the minds of the consumer.

4. Visual Misrepresentation and Digital Manipulation

Images of the product are often exaggerated by displaying large images of ingredients which are used in minute proportions. Also, digitally enhanced images, or models with perfect skin of different ethnicity and colour are shown to portray transformation after using the product. The benefits portrayed are not a true reflection of the outcomes of product usage as the product might not be suitable to Indian skin types.

5. Greenwashing and Vague Sustainability Claims

This includes misleading use of sustainability claims. As per the same ASCI report, ASCI has flagged 100% of advertisements which makes claims such as “eco-friendly”, “chemical-free”, “natural” or “biodegradable” without any proper scientific evidence.

Regulatory Compliance for Cosmetics in India: Why It Matters

Understanding these subtle differences in various claims is important for creating compliant and trustworthy claims. Misleading claims not only lead to compliance issues but can also undermine consumer trust, if not backed up with strong scientific evidence.
While such statements may grab consumer attention, without strong scientific backing, they invite regulatory scrutiny. Further, consumers may question the safety and efficacy of the products and eventually lose their trust in the brand. This can lead to huge financial losses for the brand owners.
For instance, a men’s hair serum was advertised as “Scientifically proven to transform forehead into forest.” The claim went viral but lacked supporting data, eventually receiving a regulatory warning. This example highlights how marketing hype without compliance can backfire.

The Relationship Between Misleading Claims and Consumer Trust

Misleading cosmetic claims don’t just invite regulatory scrutiny—they significantly damage consumer trust. When cosmetic brands promote products with exaggerated or scientifically unsupported claims, they risk more than legal consequences; they compromise their credibility. Consumers today are increasingly aware and discerning, often researching ingredients and benefits before making a purchase. If they find a gap between what’s promised and what’s delivered, their trust in the brand diminishes. This erosion of trust doesn't happen in isolation—it spreads quickly in the digital age, where reviews and experiences are shared widely. Ultimately, brands that engage in misleading marketing risk long-term reputational harm and financial loss, far outweighing any short-term gains.

Challenges in Enforcing Regulatory Requirements for Cosmetic Marketing in India

India has made strides in addressing misleading cosmetic claims, but enforcement continues to be a complex issue. One of the primary challenges is the lack of clarity around what exactly qualifies as a misleading claim. The cosmetic industry's marketing methods are rapidly evolving, with formats like short videos, influencer reels, and digital ads becoming the norm. These dynamic, fast-paced formats make it difficult to monitor and regulate content effectively.
Adding to the complexity, numerous brands operate from outside India but specifically target Indian consumers through digital platforms. This cross-border nature of marketing makes regulatory oversight even more challenging. To combat this, all stakeholders—regulatory bodies, brand owners, and consumers—must collaborate actively. Clear guidelines, increased awareness, and proactive measures are essential to reduce the prevalence of misleading claims and foster a transparent, ethical marketing environment in the Indian cosmetic industry.

AI for Compliance Leveraging AI for Regulatory Compliance

AI for Compliance: Scientific Evidence for Cosmetic Claims

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in the domain of regulatory compliance, particularly within the cosmetics industry. One of its most impactful applications lies in identifying and curbing misleading cosmetic claims. AI-powered monitoring tools are increasingly being recognized as effective allies in ensuring that promotional content adheres to established guidelines.

Automated Advertisement Screening systems enable regulatory authorities to swiftly analyze a vast amount of content, identifying potentially deceptive language or unsubstantiated claims. In addition, advanced Keyword and Image Recognition technologies allow for real-time detection of high-risk phrases on product labels and packaging. These tools can also flag visually misleading content or AI-generated images used to enhance product appeal without scientific backing.
By leveraging these AI-driven tools, regulatory bodies can enhance the speed, consistency, and reach of compliance monitoring—minimizing the risk of misleading advertising and promoting a more transparent cosmetics industry.

Building Trust through Cosmetic Advertising: Best Practices

India's cosmetics market is rapidly expanding, drawing numerous national and international brands into its fold. With this growth comes the heightened responsibility of ensuring marketing practices are ethical and grounded in fact. Unchecked or exaggerated claims not only mislead consumers but also jeopardize brand credibility and long-term viability.

As the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) continue to strengthen their oversight, cosmetic brands must transition from persuasion-based marketing to evidence-based communication. AI and digital compliance tools now provide the infrastructure needed to make this shift efficiently and reliably.

Clear, science-backed claims help brands foster consumer trust and demonstrate a commitment to transparency. In today’s market, regulatory compliance is not just about meeting legal standards—it is about safeguarding brand integrity and building enduring customer relationships.

Work with Move Ahead– Experts in Beauty Brand Compliance

If you're a cosmetic brand navigating CDSCO cosmetic guidelines, looking to align with ASCI advertising guidelines, or aiming to ensure regulatory compliance for cosmetics in India—expert guidance can make the difference.
At Move Ahead we specialize in regulatory compliance for cosmetics in India— from product label audits to vetting cosmetic claims for scientific substantiation, influencer campaign assessments, and CDSCO registration support. We help beauty brands navigate the complex maze of Indian cosmetics regulations with confidence.
Contact Move Ahead today to ensure your cosmetic product stays compliant, credible, and competitive in the Indian market.
 

Email: support@moveahead.in
Website: www.moveahead.in
Phone: +91-011-41666016