Kao USA voluntarily recalls select Oribe Shampoo lots over bacterial concerns
Kao is asking retail and salon partners to remove the product from sale and return it for safe disposal.
USA – Kao USA has voluntarily recalled select lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in the United States and Canada after detecting Pluralibacter gergoviae in certain batches.
The recall covers the 8.5 oz and 33.8 oz sizes produced between February 21, 2026 and February 26, 2026, and Kao says only specific lot codes are affected.
The company said Pluralibacter gergoviae generally poses little medical risk to healthy people, but it may be more concerning for people with weakened immune systems.
As a precaution, Kao is urging anyone with an affected product to stop using it immediately, and it is working with the FDA while continuing to investigate the scope and source of the issue.
Affected 8.5 oz bottles carry UPC 840035231242 and include lot code YR010556, while affected 33.8 oz bottles carry UPC 840035231273 and include lot codes YR010566 and YR010576.
According to Kao, consumers who believe they have the recalled shampoo can call Kao’s Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email oribecomplaints@kao.com for replacement guidance or to report any adverse reactions.
Kao USA said it is investigating the root cause, coordinating the removal of affected product from distribution channels, and notifying customers and partners to return impacted bottles for safe disposal.
The company continues testing and reviewing to determine the full scope of the issue and will update stakeholders as additional information becomes available.
In a similar move, Target recently voluntarily recalled select Up & Up brand baby wipes across the United States due to potential microbial contamination that could cause serious, life-threatening infections.
The recall covers two product lines: Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes (available in 20-count, 72-count, 216-count, 800-count, and 1,200-count packages) and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes (in 72-count, 216-count, and 800-count packages), both sold nationwide in Target stores and on Target’s website.
The voluntary action follows customer complaints about product discoloration and adverse event reports alleging skin irritation, eye irritation, and infections potentially linked to the wipes.
Upon investigation, U.S. Food and Drug Administration testing confirmed the presence of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli bacteria in affected product samples.
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