Popular high-end shampoo sold nationwide recalled for bacteria

A popular, high-end shampoo sold nationwide has been voluntarily recalled due to the presence of bacteria, with retailers and salons asked to pull the product from shelves and people urged to stop using it.

The recall, issued July 1 by Kao USA, was impacting certain lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo sold in the U.S. and Canada. According to a release from the Food and Drug Administration, the recall was issued because Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria was detected.

“Though Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria pose little medical risk to healthy people, those with certain health issues such as weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to infection by the bacteria,” the FDA said. The release went on to say that people were urged to stop using the products, regardless of health status.

The FDA says the recall is currently limited to specific lots of the Oribe shampoo in 8.5 ounce and 33.8 ounce sizes, but an investigation into the scope of the issue remains ongoing. Oribe’s website shows the impacted product may have be sold in purple bottles, starting at about $52.

The following products have been recalled:

• Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo (in 8.5 oz and 33.8 oz sizes), manufactured between February 21, 2026 and February 26, 2026, could be impacted.

• The affected lot codes for the 8.5 oz size (UPC 840035231242) can be found onthe bottom of the bottle printed in black and begin with the prefix “YR”: o YR010556

• The affected lot codes for the 33.8 oz size (UPC 840035231273) can be found onthe bottom of the bottle printed in black and begin with the prefix “YR”: o YR010566 o YR010576

A statement from Oribe manufacturer Kao USA said the company was working with the FDA to recall the lots from warehouses.

“We are also asking retail and salon partners to remove affected lots from use and/or sale and return them to us for safe disposal,” the release said.

Those who have used the product are urged to contact Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email oribecomplaints@kao.com with questions.

“At Kao USA, the safety of our products and consumers is our highest priority,” the beauty manufacturer’s statement continued. “We are working with our partners to review manufacturing practices to help prevent similar issues in the future.”

NBC Chicago reached out to Kao USA for comment on this story.

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