Oribe Shampoo Recall: FDA Warns of Bacterial Contamination

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide recall of specific lots of Oribe’s Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo due to contamination with Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium that can pose health risks, particularly to individuals with compromised immune systems, according to an FDA safety alert. The recall affects products manufactured between February 21, 2026, and February 26, 2026, with UPC codes 840035231242, 840035231273, and lot codes YR010556, YR010566, YR010576.

What to Do If Your Shampoo Is Affected

Kao USA has urged consumers to stop using the affected products immediately, regardless of their health status. Customers are advised to contact the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email oribecomplaints@kao.com to request a replacement. The company also encourages individuals who experienced adverse effects to consult a healthcare provider and report the incident through the same channels.

“The FDA emphasizes that while Pluralibacter gergoviae poses minimal risk to healthy individuals, those with weakened immune systems may be more likely to become infected,” said an FDA spokesperson. The bacteria, known for its resistance to common preservatives like parabens, has previously led to recalls of similar products, including nearly a million units of Amika shampoo in 2024.

Understanding the Bacterial Contamination

Pluralibacter gergoviae is known to contaminate cosmetics, partly due to its resistance to parabens and other preservatives.

How to Identify Affected Products

Consumers should check their Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo bottles for the following details:

• Manufacture date: February 21, 2026, to February 26, 2026
• UPC codes: 840035231242, 840035231273
• Lot codes: YR010556, YR010566, YR010576 (located on the bottle’s bottom)

Products not matching these specifications are not part of the recall, according to Kao USA.

Why This Matters: A Pattern of Contamination

This recall follows a broader trend of bacterial contamination in personal care products. In 2024, nearly a million units of Amika shampoo were recalled for the same reason.