Kao USA is voluntarily recalling specific lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the products may be contaminated with bacteria. Consumers are urged to stop using affected bottles and retailers and salons
By the time the notice lands in your inbox or pops up on your phone, the bottle has already sat on the bathroom counter for weeks.
Now Kao USA wants consumers to check—after the company voluntarily recalled select Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo bottles in the United States and Canada due to possible bacterial contamination.
The recall was announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after Kao USA said it was pulling specific lots sold in the two countries. The bottles are 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce sizes, manufactured between Feb. 21 and Feb. 26, 2026.
The company says the bacteria found, Pluralibacter gergoviae, poses little medical risk to healthy people. But Kao USA warns that people with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to infection.
Kao USA is urging anyone who has an affected product to stop using it immediately. The company also says it is continuing to investigate the scope of the issue while working with the FDA to remove affected products from distribution.
The recall is limited to particular lots, and consumers can identify the affected items by checking the lot code printed in black on the bottom of the bottle.
For the 8.5-ounce Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo (UPC: 840035231242), the affected lot code is YR010556.
For the 33.8-ounce bottle (UPC: 840035231273), the affected lot codes are YR010566 and YR010576.
Kao USA is also asking retailers and salons to remove the bottles from sale or use and return them for safe disposal.
If you experienced an adverse event after using the shampoo, the company says you can arrange a replacement or ask questions about the recall through the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or by emailing oribecomplaints@kao.com.
The sequence here is simple: specific lots, a specific bacteria concern, and a clear instruction to stop using affected bottles. What makes it urgent is the narrow group that could face higher risk—those with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions—alongside the fact that the recall is only effective if consumers can spot their lot codes and act quickly.
Kao USA recall Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo Pluralibacter gergoviae FDA recall hair product recall consumer notice UPC 840035231242 UPC 840035231273 lot code YR010556 lot code YR010566 lot code YR010576
So like… bacteria in shampoo is basically the new normal now? I’d toss it and be done.
Wait I thought “little medical risk” means it’s fine though? My mom has diabetes but she uses Oribe like crazy… I should probably check the bottom? I don’t even know where the lot code is.
My salon keeps telling people it’s safe if it smells normal. But this says stop using affected bottles, so what, the rest of the Oribe is bacteria-free? Also why did it take so long like months sitting on a counter, that’s wild.
Pluralibacter gergoviae sounds like a made-up name lol. Doesn’t Kao always say their stuff is “clean beauty”? I saw this on another page and it said it was only in Canada/US but people order online, so now I’m just confused like is my bottle affected or not. Lot code on the bottom… great. I’m gonna call that hotline number but I’ll probably hang up after 2 minutes.