A specialty shampoo sold in the United States and Canada has been recalled after Kao USA detected possible bacterial contamination in select bottles of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo. The voluntary recall applies only to specific 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce bottles, but consumers are being urged to check the lot code before using the product again.
The affected shampoo may contain Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacteria that Kao USA says poses little medical risk to healthy people. However, the company warned that people with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to infection.
The recall was issued by Kao USA on June 30, 2026, and applies to products sold in both the U.S. and Canada. The company said it is working with the FDA while continuing to investigate the scope of the issue.
Recalled Oribe shampoo lot codes
The recall is limited to Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo manufactured between February 21 and February 26, 2026.
| Product | Size | UPC | Affected lot code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo | 8.5 oz | 840035231242 | YR010556 |
| Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo | 33.8 oz | 840035231273 | YR010566, YR010576 |
The affected lot code is printed in black on the bottom of the bottle. Consumers should match the size, UPC and lot code together before deciding whether their shampoo is included.
Why the shampoo is being recalled
Kao USA said select units tested positive for Pluralibacter gergoviae. The company is urging anyone with an affected product to discontinue use, regardless of health status.
The recall is important because shampoo is used directly on the scalp, where irritation, scratches or skin sensitivity may increase exposure risk for some users. The risk is not the same for everyone, but people with immune-related health concerns should be especially cautious.
Consumers can review official company recall details through Kao USA’s recall notice.
What consumers should do
If your bottle has one of the affected lot codes, stop using it immediately. Do not continue using the shampoo while waiting for more updates.
Kao USA says consumers who experienced an adverse event, want to arrange a replacement or have questions can contact the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email oribecomplaints@kao.com.
Keep the bottle nearby when contacting the company. The UPC, size and lot code may be needed to confirm whether the product is part of the recall.
Retailers and salons asked to remove bottles
The recall also affects businesses that sell or use the shampoo. Kao USA said retail and salon partners should remove affected lots from sale or use and return them for safe disposal.
That makes the recall relevant not only for shoppers who bought the product for home use, but also for salons that may have professional inventory on shelves or in treatment areas.
For readers tracking product safety issues, a recent Target baby wipes recall linked to contamination concerns shows why checking batch numbers and lot codes has become a key step during household product recalls.
Are all Oribe shampoos affected?
No. The recall does not cover every Oribe product. Based on the details released so far, it applies only to select lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in the 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce sizes.
Other Oribe shampoos, other bottle sizes and products with different lot codes are not listed in the recall. Consumers should avoid guessing from the front label alone and check the bottom of the bottle carefully.
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Why lot codes matter
Lot codes help companies trace a product back to a specific manufacturing window. In this case, the affected bottles were made across a short period in February 2026, which allows Kao USA to narrow the recall instead of pulling the entire product line.
If the code is smudged, missing or difficult to read, consumers should contact Kao USA before using the shampoo again. This is especially important for people with weakened immune systems, scalp irritation or other health concerns.
Kao USA said its investigation is still ongoing as it works with the FDA to remove affected products from distribution. More information may be released if the company identifies additional affected inventory.
For now, the key consumer action is clear: check the bottom of the bottle, compare the lot code with the recall list, and stop using the shampoo if it matches one of the affected codes.
⚠️ Oribe Shampoo Recall: Quick Safety Check
- Stop using the shampoo immediately if your bottle matches one of the recalled lot codes.
- Check the bottom of the bottle for the lot code printed in black.
- Affected lot codes: YR010556, YR010566, and YR010576.
- The recall applies only to Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in 8.5 oz and 33.8 oz sizes manufactured between February 21–26, 2026.
- Healthy people are considered at low medical risk, but those with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to infection.
- If you’ve experienced irritation or another adverse reaction, seek medical advice and contact Kao USA.
Consumer Assistance:
📞 Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline: 800-333-2442
đź“§ Email: oribecomplaints@kao.com















