Elevated risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo recall: May be contaminated with Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria

Recall published 4 months ago

May be contaminated with Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria

The hazard: Product safety hazard

The notice above names the hazard. CPSC recalls are issued because someone can be hurt, not because the product underperforms.

What the notice says: May be contaminated with Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria

Why it matters: The CPSC published this recall because the product can injure someone. The hazard statement above describes how.

Recall details

Published
July 1, 2026
Risk level
Elevated risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Oribe
Product type
Cosmetics & personal care
UPC codes
840035231242, 840035231273

Products covered by this recall

Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo (8.5 oz and 33.8 oz)

What the company announced

Select units of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo (8.5 oz and 33.8 oz) affected

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kao USA Inc. (“Kao USA”) today issued a voluntary recall of select lots of its Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo (8.5 oz and 33.8 oz) in the U.S. and Canada due to the detection of Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria.

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. Regardless of health status, Kao USA is urging anyone who has affected products as specified below to discontinue use.

The recall is limited to specific lots of the Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in8.5 oz and 33.8 oz sizes. Further investigation to confirm the scope of the issue is still ongoing.

Identifying the Affected Products:

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

To report any adverse events experienced with the use of this product, arrange for a replacement or for any questions, please contact the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email [email protected] .

We are working with the FDA to voluntarily recall the affected lots of the product in question from our 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.

At Kao USA, the safety of our products and consumers is our highest priority. We are working with our partners to review manufacturing practices to help prevent similar issues in the future.

Kao USA Inc. manufactures premium beauty care brands that are sold around the world. Founded in 1882, Kao USA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kao Corporation.

Contacts

Press Queries: Molly Killen, [email protected]

Technical or Regulatory Queries: Keisha Ringo, [email protected]

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

Check your product

The notice names 4 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

UPC / barcode

Read the twelve digits under the barcode on the package.

  • 840035231242
  • 840035231273

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 8.5 oz
  • 33.8 oz

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Company recall announcements notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Product safety

Oribe — The notice above names the hazard. CPSC recalls are issued because someone can be hurt, not because the product underperforms.

  1. Stop using the product and move it somewhere a child or pet cannot reach it.
  2. Do not resell, donate or pass it on — reselling a recalled product is illegal in the United States.
  3. Follow the remedy the notice specifies, and register the claim before you destroy anything.
  4. If the product already hurt someone, file a report at SaferProducts.gov.

Claiming your refund, repair or replacement

The recalling company decides the remedy and funds it. You should never pay for a recall repair or for return shipping.

  • Use the company contact on this page first. Most firms run a dedicated recall page with a claim form that is far quicker than their main support line.
  • Have the model number, the date code and your photos ready. Many companies issue store credit by default — ask for cash or a card reversal if you would rather have it.
  • No receipt? Say so. Recall refunds are routinely paid without proof of purchase, because the hazard is what triggers the obligation.
  • If you bought it from a retailer rather than the brand, try both. Target, Walmart and Amazon often refund recalled goods from the order history.

Remedy named in the notice: To report any adverse events experienced with the use of this product, arrange for a replacement or for any questions, please contact the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email [email protected] .

Company contact: KAO USA — Consumers: Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline, 800-333-2442 — Media: Molly Killen, [email protected]

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Oribe cosmetics & personal care recalled?

May be contaminated with Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria May be contaminated with Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: UPC 840035231242, 840035231273. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Stop using the product and move it somewhere a child or pet cannot reach it.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: To report any adverse events experienced with the use of this product, arrange for a replacement or for any questions, please contact the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email [email protected] .

Related recalls