INDIANA — Parent company Kao USA Inc. has issued a voluntary, nationwide recall of select lots of its premium Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo across both the United States and Canada. The consumer safety alert follows a formal announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicating that targeted production runs may be contaminated with a resilient strain of bacteria.
The recall specifically isolates 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce bottles of the Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo manufactured over a five-day window between February 21, 2026, and February 26, 2026.
Consumers can verify if their product is part of the recalled batch by checking the Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode on the packaging, as well as the alphanumeric lot code stamped in black ink directly onto the bottom of the bottle:
| Product Size | Barcode (UPC) | Affected Lot Codes |
| Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo (8.5 oz.) | 840035231242 | YR010556 |
| Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo (33.8 oz.) | 840035231273 | YR010566 or YR010576 |
The Contaminant: Pluralibacter gergoviae
Routine quality control testing detected the presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae within the isolated product pools. This specific type of rod-shaped bacterium is a frequent culprit behind cosmetic and personal care product recalls because it exhibits a natural resistance to many common chemical preservatives utilized throughout the beauty industry.
According to the medical consensus shared by the FDA, Pluralibacter gergoviae poses minimal health or medical risks to healthy adults. However, the risk landscape changes drastically for individuals who have weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, open skin abrasions, or those recovering from recent medical procedures. In vulnerable or immunocompromised hosts, exposure to the contaminated product can lead to opportunistic infections, including severe topical skin reactions, respiratory complications, urinary tract issues, or system-wide sepsis if the bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Federal health authorities and Kao USA are urging all consumers who possess the affected bottles to discontinue use immediately, regardless of their current health or immune status.
Kao USA confirms that its corporate teams are actively working alongside federal logistics inspectors to isolate and clear the contaminated supply from commercial warehouses. Additionally, salon owners, regional distributors, and boutique retail partners have been instructed to pull the designated lot codes from store shelves and return them directly to the manufacturer for safe, eco-conscious disposal. No other products or formulas under the Oribe brand portfolio are impacted by this action.
Customer Service Inquiries
Affected consumers are eligible to receive a free replacement product from the manufacturer. To initiate a replacement claim, ask technical questions, or report an adverse health event related to the shampoo, users should reach out through the following channels:
- Toll-Free Phone Hotline: Call the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442.
- Electronic Mail: Submit an inquiry via email to oribecomplaints@kao.com.
