Popular Salon Shampoo Recalled After Bacteria Found in Bottles
Check the bottom of the bottle before your next wash — a specific batch of a popular salon shampoo just got pulled from shelves.
Kao USA has issued a voluntary recall of select lots of its Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in the US and Canada after detecting Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria in the product.
Which Bottles Are Affected
The recall covers both the 8.5 oz and 33.8 oz sizes of the shampoo, manufactured between 21 February and 26 February 2026.
The affected 8.5 oz bottle (UPC 840035231242) carries lot code YR010556, while the affected 33.8 oz bottles (UPC 840035231273) carry lot codes YR010566 or YR010576.
Kao says the lot code is printed in black at the bottom of the bottle, and the company describes the affected batch as a small portion of total production.
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What the Bacteria Actually Is
Pluralibacter gergoviae is an environmental bacterium that occasionally shows up in cosmetic products and, according to a Yale School of Medicine dermatologist, "almost never" causes illness in healthy people.
Kao USA said in its statement that the bacteria "pose little medical risk to healthy people," but that those with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to infection.
The company is urging anyone with an affected bottle to stop using it regardless of their own health status, as a precaution.
Some research has found this particular bacterium can resist parabens, the preservatives commonly used to keep cosmetic products shelf-stable, which may explain how it survived in the product despite standard preservation methods.
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What Kao USA Is Doing About It
The company is working directly with the FDA to remove affected lots from its warehouses, and has asked retail and salon partners to pull the recalled batches from shelves and use, and return them for safe disposal.
Kao said it is reviewing its manufacturing practices with partners "to help prevent similar issues in the future," though further investigation into the scope of the contamination is still ongoing.
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What to Do If You Have an Affected Bottle
Consumers who have a bottle matching the affected sizes and manufacturing window should check the lot code at the bottom before continuing to use it.
Anyone with a confirmed affected lot can contact the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email oribecomplaints@kao.com to report an adverse reaction or arrange a replacement.
The FDA recommends discontinuing use of any recalled cosmetic product immediately, even when the described health risk is described as low, since individual health circumstances can vary.
TL;DR
- Kao USA recalled select lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo after detecting Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria.
- The recall covers 8.5 oz and 33.8 oz bottles manufactured between 21–26 February 2026.
- The bacteria pose little risk to healthy people but may affect those with weakened immune systems.
- Affected lot codes are YR010556, YR010566, and YR010576.
- Consumers can contact Kao's hotline at 800-333-2442 for a replacement or to report a reaction.
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Health & Lifestyle Editor
Emma Rhodes covers public health, wellness, medical breakthroughs, and lifestyle trends. She is committed to reporting health news that is accurate, clear, and actionable.
