Kao USA has voluntarily recalled three lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo sold in the United States and Canada after detecting Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria. The recall applies only to specific 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce bottles, not every Oribe shampoo.
The company announced the recall on July 1, 2026, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted it the same day. Kao says the bacteria pose little medical risk to healthy people, but people with weakened immune systems or certain health conditions may be more susceptible to infection. The company is asking everyone with an affected bottle to stop using it, regardless of health status.
Do this first
- Find the lot code. Look on the bottom of the bottle for a code printed in black.
- Stop using the shampoo if the code matches. Do not keep using an affected bottle while waiting for a refund.
- Take a photo. Kao asks customers to photograph the bottle and lot code before disposal.
- Request a refund. Use the contact information in the official recall notice. The company says affected products may be discarded after the required photos are taken.
The three recalled lot codes
The recalled 8.5-ounce bottle has UPC 840035231242 and lot code YR010556.
The recalled 33.8-ounce bottle has UPC 840035231273 and either lot code YR010566 or YR010576.
Kao says potentially affected shampoo was manufactured from February 21 through February 26, 2026. The investigation is still underway to confirm the scope of the issue, so customers should rely on the current FDA notice and any later company updates rather than social-media lists.
What the bacteria risk means
Pluralibacter gergoviae is the reason for the recall. The FDA-posted company announcement does not report illnesses connected to these lots. It says the organism presents little medical risk to healthy people while identifying people with weakened immune systems as potentially more susceptible to infection.
That distinction should guide the response: this is a targeted product recall, not evidence that everyone who used the shampoo is sick. At the same time, people should not ignore a matching lot code simply because they feel well.
If you used an affected bottle and develop symptoms or have a medical concern, contact a clinician and explain the recalled product exposure. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. This article provides general recall information and does not replace medical advice.
Check these details before throwing anything away
Confirm the exact product name, bottle size and lot code. A similar-looking Oribe shampoo, conditioner or a bottle with a different code is not included in the July 1 notice. Avoid relying on bottle color alone.
Keep your photos, purchase record if available and any confirmation you receive from the company until the refund is resolved. Consumers can contact Kao USA at 1-800-519-6725, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, or email OribeRecall@kao.com, according to the recall announcement.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every Oribe product is recalled.
- Checking only the UPC and skipping the lot code.
- Discarding the bottle before photographing the required information.
- Continuing to use a matching bottle because there are no symptoms.
- Buying a replacement from a resale listing without checking its lot code.
What happens next
Kao says its investigation is ongoing. Retailers and salons were instructed to remove affected products from shelves, but customers should still inspect bottles already at home. The FDA recall page is the best place to check for an expanded scope, revised instructions or a notice that the recall has been completed or terminated.
The bottom line: turn the bottle over. If an 8.5-ounce bottle reads YR010556, or a 33.8-ounce bottle reads YR010566 or YR010576, stop using it and follow the official refund instructions.
