What Happened to Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo Recall (Pluralibacter Gergoviae)?
Kao USA initiated a voluntary recall of specific lots of its Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in July 2026, following the detection of Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria. This recall highlights ongoing concerns about bacterial contamination in cosmetic products, particularly for vulnerable populations, and follows similar recalls of other personal care items in recent years. The company is actively working with regulatory bodies to remove affected products and investigate manufacturing practices.
Quick Answer
Kao USA voluntarily recalled select lots of its Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in the U.S. and Canada on July 1, 2026, due to contamination with Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria. The affected products were manufactured between February 21 and February 26, 2026. While the bacteria pose little risk to healthy individuals, they can cause serious infections in those with weakened immune systems. Consumers are advised to discontinue use of the recalled shampoo and contact Kao USA for a replacement.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
BfR Recommends Cosmetics Be Free of Pluralibacter Gergoviae
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) issued an updated opinion stating that cosmetic products should be free of Pluralibacter gergoviae to avoid health risks, especially for sensitive groups, due to its pathogenic potential.
Kimberly-Clark Recalls Cottonelle Flushable Wipes
Kimberly-Clark voluntarily recalled certain lots of Cottonelle Flushable Wipes and Cottonelle GentlePlus Flushable Wipes in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean due to potential contamination with Pluralibacter gergoviae.
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Kimberly-Clark
A class action lawsuit was filed against Kimberly-Clark in New York, alleging that the company downplayed the health risks of Pluralibacter gergoviae in its recalled Cottonelle wipes, with plaintiffs reporting urinary tract infections and other issues.
Tec Italy Tonico Shampoo Recalled for P. Gergoviae and E. Coli
Nattura Laboratorios S.A De C.V. issued a voluntary recall of nearly 4,000 units of its Tec Italy Tonico Shampoo due to contamination with both Pluralibacter gergoviae and E. coli bacteria.
Canadian Court Confirms Class Action for Cottonelle Wipes
B.C.'s Supreme Court confirmed a national class action lawsuit against Kimberly-Clark Corporation for Canadian claimants who may have suffered injury from the 2020 Cottonelle flushable wipes recall.
Neutrogena Recalls Makeup Remover Towelettes
Kenvue, owner of Neutrogena, issued a voluntary recall of Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes after internal testing identified Pluralibacter gergoviae in one production lot.
FDA Classifies Neutrogena Recall as Class II
The U.S. FDA categorized the Neutrogena recall as Class II, indicating that while serious harm is unlikely, temporary or reversible health consequences are possible.
Study Highlights Clinical Relevance of P. Gergoviae
Oxford Academic published a systematic review on the 'emerging clinical relevance and antimicrobial resistance of Pluralibacter gergoviae,' noting its potential impact on vulnerable populations, especially in NICU settings.
Manufacturing Dates of Affected Oribe Shampoo Lots
The specific lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo later recalled by Kao USA were manufactured during this five-day period.
Kao USA Announces Oribe Shampoo Recall
Kao USA Inc. issued a voluntary recall of select lots of its Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in the U.S. and Canada due to the detection of Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria.
FDA and News Outlets Report Oribe Recall Details
The FDA and various news outlets widely reported on the Oribe shampoo recall, providing specific lot codes, UPCs, and instructions for consumers to identify affected products and seek replacements.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The 'Pluralibacter Gergoviae Shampoo Recall' primarily refers to the voluntary recall initiated by Kao USA Inc. on July 1, 2026, for specific lots of its Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo. The recall was prompted by the detection of Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria within the affected products. This gram-negative bacterium, formerly known as Enterobacter gergoviae, is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in water, soil, and plants, and has become a recurring concern in the cosmetics and personal care industry due to its resistance to many common preservatives.
The affected Oribe shampoo products, in both 8.5 oz and 33.8 oz sizes, were manufactured between February 21 and February 26, 2026. Kao USA stated that while the bacteria pose little medical risk to healthy individuals, those with compromised immune systems, chronic illnesses, or who have undergone surgical procedures may be more susceptible to infection. Potential health complications include respiratory diseases, urinary tract infections, eye infections, and in severe cases, sepsis.
This incident is not isolated. Pluralibacter gergoviae has been implicated in several product recalls over the years, underscoring persistent challenges in manufacturing quality control within the beauty and personal care sectors. Notable past recalls include Kimberly-Clark's Cottonelle Flushable Wipes in 2020, which led to national class-action lawsuits in both the U.S. and Canada, and Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes in 2025. In December 2023, Tec Italy Tonico Shampoo was also recalled due to contamination with both Pluralibacter gergoviae and E. coli. These instances suggest that contamination often stems from 'procedural deficiencies' in manufacturing rather than inherently defective formulas.
As of July 6, 2026, the Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo recall is ongoing. Kao USA is actively collaborating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the removal of all affected products from distribution channels. Retailers and salon partners have been instructed to withdraw the impacted lots from sale and return them. The company is also reviewing its manufacturing practices as part of its ongoing investigation. Consumers who possess the recalled shampoo are urged to discontinue use immediately and contact Kao USA for a replacement.
The repeated occurrence of Pluralibacter gergoviae contamination in various cosmetic products highlights the critical need for robust microbiological testing and stringent quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process. Regulatory bodies, such as the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), have long emphasized that cosmetic products should be free of P. gergoviae to prevent health risks, especially for sensitive consumer groups.
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