A shampoo recall may not sound as urgent as a food or drug recall, but personal-care products are still part of consumers’ health routines.Shampoo is applied directly to the scalp, often several times a week, and many shoppers pay premium prices for salon- and luxury-haircare brands because they trust the quality behind the label.And it’s often difficult to find a shampoo that addresses your haircare needs, whether you’re managing frizz or thinning hair. Imagine finding a shampoo that checks all the boxes, but then having to replace it due to a recall. This trust is currently being tested with some Oribe customers, and users on Reddit forums are not happy about it, given that the shampoo is on the higher end of prices.Kao USA, a chemical and cosmetics manufacturer, voluntarily recalled select lots of its Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo after Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria were detected, according to a company announcement posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.The recall was announced on July 1, and the FDA published the notice the same day.The affected shampoo was sold in the U.S. and Canada, and Kao said it is working with retail and salon partners to remove the recalled lots from use or sale and return them for safe disposal.Oribe recall affects select shampoo bottlesThe shampoo recall applies to specific lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce sizes.The affected products were manufactured between Feb. 21 and Feb. 26, 2026.For the 8.5-ounce size, the affected UPC is 840035231242, and the recalled lot code is YR010556.For the 33.8-ounce size, the affected UPC is 840035231273, and the recalled lot codes are YR010566 and YR010576.Kao said the lot codes can be found printed in black on the bottom of the bottle.The company is urging anyone with an affected product to stop using it, regardless of health status. Consumers can contact Kao to request a replacement or report any adverse event associated with the product.Related: Publix fruit recalled after E. coli sicknessesThe recall is notable because Oribe is not a low-profile drugstore brand. It is a premium hair-care label sold through salons, retailers, and beauty channels, and its Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo is marketed toward consumers concerned about thinning hair.On Oribe’s website, the shampoo is described as a densifying product developed with a board-certified trichologist and designed to help hair look thicker and fuller over time. The standard 8.5-ounce size is listed at $52, which suggests affected customers may also be considering replacement or refund options.The shampoo is available for purchase in popular stores like Walmart, Sephora, and Target in some US states.
Kao USA has recalled select lot of Oribe shampoo.jetcityimage / Getty Images
Bacteria risk is higher for some consumersKao said Pluralibacter gergoviae poses little medical risk to healthy people, but people with certain health issues, including weakened immune systems, may be more susceptible to infection.That distinction matters because cosmetic recalls can be easy for consumers to dismiss. A contaminated shampoo may not provoke the same immediate fear as contaminated food, but the FDA says cosmetic products can become harmful if contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi.More Recalls:FDA recall raises concern over blood pressure drugHonda’s million-vehicle recall hits core SUVs and trucksJeep owners should take immediate action to avoid huge riskThe FDA says contaminated cosmetic products have caused serious infections, even though injuries from these products are not common.Pluralibacter gergoviae is also known in the cosmetics industry because it can be difficult to control in some product environments. For consumers, the practical concern is not whether the product looks or smells different. A contaminated product can appear normal, which is why lot codes matter.Kao said its investigation into the scope of the issue is still ongoing. The company also said it is reviewing manufacturing practices with partners to help prevent similar problems in the future.No other Oribe products were listed in the FDA recall notice.Customers who have the recalled shampoo should stop using it and check the lot code on the bottom of the bottle. Anyone who experienced an adverse event after using the product can contact the Kao Professional Hair Technical Assistance.For shoppers who bought the shampoo through a salon, retailer, or online beauty seller, the safest step is to confirm the lot code before using the product again.Related: Iconic denim brand closes facility, cuts 303 jobs