The recall covers certain 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce bottles of Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo.
CINCINNATI — Kao USA has recalled select lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo sold in the U.S. and Canada after testing detected Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria in the luxury hair care product.
The voluntary recall was announced July 1 and applies only to specific bottles made during a six-day production window in February. The company said the affected shampoo may pose little medical risk to healthy people, but people with weakened immune systems or certain health conditions may face a higher risk of infection. The investigation into the scope of the issue remains ongoing.
The recall involves Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce bottles manufactured between Feb. 21 and Feb. 26, according to the company announcement posted by federal regulators. The affected 8.5-ounce bottles carry UPC 840035231242 and lot code YR010556. The affected 33.8-ounce bottles carry UPC 840035231273 and lot codes YR010566 or YR010576. The lot codes are printed in black on the bottom of the bottle and begin with the prefix YR. Kao USA said the recall is limited to those lots while the company continues to review how the contamination occurred and whether any other products could be affected.
Pluralibacter gergoviae is a type of bacteria that has been found in personal care and cosmetic products, including shampoos and makeup wipes. Federal health officials said the bacteria can cause infections in some cases, including respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections and sepsis. Kao USA said the bacteria pose little medical risk to healthy people, but the company still urged all affected customers to stop using recalled bottles. No illnesses were listed in the company announcement. The company said customers may contact the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email oribecomplaints@kao.com to report adverse events, ask questions or arrange for a replacement.
Kao USA said it is working with the Food and Drug Administration to recall the affected lots from company warehouses. The company also asked retail and salon partners to remove affected bottles from use or sale and return them for safe disposal. Oribe products are sold through salons and beauty retailers, and the recall covers products distributed in both the U.S. and Canada. The company did not publish a store-by-store list of where the affected lots were sold. The recall notice said the product is a scalp densifying shampoo and that the affected bottles were produced within the same late-February manufacturing period.
The recall adds to broader federal oversight of cosmetic and personal care products, a category that can include shampoos, lotions, wipes and other items used directly on the skin or scalp. Federal regulators post company recall announcements as a public service when a manufacturer alerts the agency to a safety concern. In this case, the recall was initiated by Kao USA after the bacteria were detected. The company said product safety is its top priority and that it is reviewing manufacturing practices with its partners to help prevent similar issues in the future.
The company announcement identifies Kao USA as the manufacturer and Oribe as the brand name tied to the recalled product. Kao USA is based in Cincinnati and manufactures premium beauty care brands sold around the world. The company is part of Kao Corporation, which was founded in 1882. The recalled shampoo is part of Oribe’s Serene Scalp line, a product category aimed at scalp care and hair density. The recall does not include every Oribe product or every bottle of Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo. It applies only to the listed bottle sizes and lot codes.
Federal officials said the recall remains active while the company continues investigating the contamination. The next steps include removing affected bottles from warehouses, salons and retailers, arranging replacements for customers and reviewing manufacturing practices tied to the impacted lots. The company also provided separate contacts for press and technical questions, naming Molly Killen for press inquiries and Keisha Ringo for technical or regulatory inquiries. Regulators did not announce a deadline for completion of the investigation.
The recall stood as of July 8, with the affected products identified by size, UPC and lot code. Kao USA said the inquiry into the scope of the issue is still ongoing, and federal regulators continued listing the recall as a company announcement tied to possible bacterial contamination.
Author note: Last updated July 8, 2026.