Personal care companies in India received the highest amount of complaints regarding their adverts, according to the Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) under the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).

Out of 86 banned adverts overall, the CCC found 26 personal care companies to have promoted products with information that was either misleading or false, or not adequately/scientifically substantiated, therefore violating ASCI’s code. Among these offenders were cosmetics giant L’Oreal India, CavinKare and Lotus Herbals limited.

It is said that some of the health care products or services advertised also contravened provisions of the Drug & Magic Remedies Act and Chapter 1.1 and III.4 of the ASCI Code.

The ASCI said in a statement, “…the CCC upheld complaints against 82 out of 148 advertisements. Out of 148 advertisements against which complaints were upheld, 26 belonged to the Personal and Healthcare category, followed by 22 advertisements in the Education category, 9 advertisements in Food and Beverage category, 7 advertisements in media and entertainment category and 18 advertisements from other categories.,” ASCI said in a release.

The top five personal care adverts banned saw L’Oreal India take the top spot for its Garnier Pure Active Neem+ Tulsi High Foaming Face, L’Oreal India again in the second spot for its New Garnier Action Facewash advertising, CavinKare Pvt Ltd, Chik Egg White Protein Shampoo in third, CavinKare Pvt Nyle Naturals Hairfall Defence Shampoo in at fourth place and Lotus Herbal Limited Lotus Herbals Youth RX in at fifth place.