Dettol takes legal swipe at influencers over ‘Floor Cleaner’ claim

Dettol, one of India’s most trusted hygiene and health brands, has filed a legal petition in the Delhi High Court against dermatologist Dr. Manjot Marwah and popular social media influencers Raj Shamani and Ritik Chaturvedi, accusing them of making “baseless, misleading, and defamatory” claims about the brand’s flagship product — Dettol Antiseptic Liquid (DAL).

The allegations stem from a podcast episode titled “Skin Mistakes You Didn’t Know! Tanning and Sunburn Exposed”, aired on April 1, 2025, and a follow-up Instagram reel shared on April 5. During the episode, Dr. Marwah reportedly described Dettol as a floor-cleaning agent that should not be applied to human skin, asserting that it could burn wounds and hinder the healing process.

Reckitt Benckiser India, the manufacturer of Dettol, has strongly refuted the claims. In a public statement, the company called the assertions “unscientific, agenda-driven and completely incorrect,” emphasizing that Dettol Antiseptic Liquid is a government-approved drug, backed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and has been in safe, effective use since 1936.

“Such irresponsible statements are not only scientifically unfounded but are clearly intended to mislead consumers and harm the reputation of a globally trusted brand,” said a company spokesperson.

The case was presented before Justice Saurabh Banerjee of the Delhi High Court on April 7. Legal notices were issued to all three individuals involved via email and WhatsApp, with responses expected promptly.

Reckitt’s legal counsel further highlighted that the antiseptic liquid has been categorized as a licensed drug under Section 3(b)(i) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The Indian Pharmacopoeia, a recognized standard, defines antiseptics as agents designed to inhibit or destroy microorganisms on living tissue, including wounds and the skin.

Adding to the controversy, Dr. Marwah had referenced a Philippines FDA report to support her claims. Reckitt countered by clarifying that Dettol is not distributed in the Philippines by any of its affiliates, rendering the cited report irrelevant to its products.

The influencers involved, particularly Shamani and Chaturvedi, command massive audiences online, making the spread of such claims particularly concerning. The brand voiced its concern over the growing trend of health-related misinformation being amplified through digital platforms without proper scientific backing.

“We urge the public to verify health information through qualified professionals and government-backed sources. Content creators must recognize the responsibility they carry, especially when discussing products related to health and hygiene,” the statement added.

Reckitt has assured consumers that Dettol Antiseptic Liquid meets all global safety and efficacy benchmarks, and reiterated its commitment to upholding public health. The company said it will continue to take legal steps to protect its legacy and ensure public confidence is not shaken by what it described as “malicious and misleading narratives.”

The matter is now under judicial scrutiny, and further hearings are expected as the court reviews the submissions from both sides.