Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major Hindustan Unilever (HUL) seems to be ceding ground in some personal-care categories to domestic and overseas players, as the market increasingly tilts towards the herbal products. A Nielsen data showed the company has seen 290 basis points (bps) decline in skin-cleansing or soaps category in the past two years to 41 percent, the largest segment within personal care according to a report published in The Economic Times. The report said oral care has seen a fall of 320 bps, hand-and-body-care category declined to 29.8 percent in September as compared to 34.2 percent two years ago. HUL indicated there could be a disconnect between its growth patterns and the Nielsen statistics, but declined to comment on specific marketshare trends.