Consumers are being urged to check their bathrooms after Kao USA voluntarily recalled select bottles of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo because they may be contaminated with bacteria.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall after Kao USA said it was voluntarily recalling specific lots of the shampoo sold in the United States and Canada. The recall affects 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce bottles manufactured between Feb. 21 and Feb. 26, 2026.
According to the company, Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria poses little medical risk to healthy people. However, people with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to infection. Kao USA is urging anyone with an affected product to stop using it.
The recall is limited to specific lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo, and the company said it is continuing to investigate the scope of the issue while working with the FDA to remove affected products from distribution.
Here’s what to know about the product being recalled, the states it was sold in and what consumers should do.
Which Oribe Shampoo Products Are Being Recalled?
The recall includes the following Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo products:
Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo, 8.5 oz
UPC: 840035231242
Affected lot code: YR010556
Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo, 33.8 oz
UPC: 840035231273
Affected lot codes: YR010566, YR010576
Consumers can find the affected lot code printed in black on the bottom of the bottle.
What Should Consumers Do?
Kao USA is advising consumers who have one of the affected shampoo bottles to stop use immediately.
The company is also asking retailers and salons to remove the bottles from sale or use and return them for safe disposal.
Consumers who experienced an adverse event after using the shampoo, would like to arrange a replacement or have questions about the recall can contact the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email [email protected].
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected], or on X @athompsonUSAT.
Reporting by Anthony Thompson, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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