Oribe Shampoo Sold in New York Recalled for Potentially Dangerous Bacterial Contamination

Kao USA just pulled select bottles of Oribe's Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo off shelves, in both the 8.5 ounce and 33.8 ounce sizes, after testing found Pluralibacter gergoviae growing inside the product.

This bacteria has a habit of surviving in cosmetics even when parabens and other preservatives are doing their job. If you keep this shampoo in your shower, it's worth two minutes to check whether your bottle made the list.

Health Risks: What Is Pluralibacter Gergoviae Bacteria?

For most healthy people, Pluralibacter gergoviae isn't going to send anyone to the emergency room. The FDA describes it as posing little medical risk to people who are generally healthy.

However, this bacteria becomes a real concern rather than a footnote if you or someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is undergoing medical treatment that suppresses immunity, or has a chronic illness that makes infections harder to fight off.

This isn't the first time something like this has happened either. Back in 2024, nearly a million units of Amika shampoo were pulled for the exact same reason.

Affected Oribe Lot Codes and UPCs: How to Check Your Bottle

Go grab your bottle. Seriously, go check, because this only takes a minute and it could save you a headache later. Whether you bought it at a salon down the road or had it shipped to your door, the risk is the same.

The recall covers Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo manufactured between February 21, 2026, and February 26, 2026. Flip your bottle over and look at the bottom for a lot code printed in black ink.

If you have the smaller 8.5-ounce size, look for UPC 840035231242 paired with the affected lot code YR010556. For those tracking the larger 33.8-ounce bottle, the recall targets UPC 840035231273 and covers two specific lot codes: YR010566 and YR010576.

If any of those numbers match what's sitting in your shower right now, it's time to set that bottle aside.

Oribe Recall Instructions: How to Get a Replacement or Refund

Kao USA is asking anyone with an affected bottle to stop using it immediately, no matter your health status. This isn't a case where they're only worried about people who are already feeling something off. They want the product out of circulation, full stop.

To get a replacement, you can call the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442, or send an email to oribecomplaints@kao.com. If you've noticed any unusual symptoms after using the shampoo (such as skin irritation, a scalp reaction, or anything else that feels off), reach out to your doctor first. Then report the incident through that same hotline or email address. Kao USA specifically wants to hear about these cases so they can track how far this issue reaches.

Behind the scenes, the company says it's working directly with the FDA to pull the affected lots from warehouses, and it's asking salons and retailers, including ones here in New York, to return any remaining stock for safe disposal.

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Why Checking Your Oribe Shampoo Bottle Matters

It's easy to skim past recall news and assume it doesn't apply to you. Most of the time, it doesn't. But this is one of those moments when a thirty-second check under your bathroom sink could spare you a reaction you didn't need.

You already spent the money on a product that was supposed to make your hair feel cared for. Don't let it be the thing that makes you feel worse.

If your bottle matches those lot codes, set it aside, make the call, and get your replacement. Whether you picked this up at a salon somewhere in Upstate New York or ordered it online from home, the fix is the same. Your scalp and your peace of mind are worth that phone call.