Pluralibacter Gergoviae Shampoo Recall: What Consumers Need to Know
The Pluralibacter gergoviae shampoo recall involves select lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo sold in the United States and Canada. Kao USA announced the voluntary recall after testing detected Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria in affected products. The FDA published the recall notice on July 1, 2026.
The recall does not apply to every bottle of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo. It is limited to specific lot numbers and two product sizes. Kao later expanded the U.S. recall to include one additional 8.5-ounce lot after determining that a previously restricted lot had inadvertently been shipped.
If you own this shampoo, the most important step is to check the lot code on the bottom of the bottle before using it. Here is what consumers need to know about the recall, the affected products, the potential health concern, and what to do next.
What Is the Pluralibacter Gergoviae Shampoo Recall?
Kao USA voluntarily recalled select lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo because testing detected Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium that can sometimes contaminate products manufactured in environments where moisture is present.
The initial recall covered the United States and Canada and involved shampoo in 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce sizes. The affected products were manufactured between February 21 and February 26, 2026.
The FDA describes the recalled product as a cosmetic and says the reason for the recall is possible contamination with Pluralibacter gergoviae.
This is an important distinction for consumers: the recall concerns specific lots, not every Oribe product or every bottle of this shampoo.
Which Shampoo Was Recalled?
The recalled product is:
Brand: Oribe
Product: Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo
Sizes: 8.5 oz and 33.8 oz
Reason: Possible contamination with Pluralibacter gergoviae
Markets: United States and Canada
The FDA and Kao identify specific lot numbers that consumers can use to determine whether their bottle is affected.
Affected U.S. Lot Numbers
Following the July 2026 update, the affected U.S. lots are:
| Size | UPC | Affected Lot Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5 oz | 840035231242 | YR010526, YR010556 |
| 33.8 oz | 840035231273 | YR010566, YR010576 |
Kao says the lot code is printed in black on the bottom of the bottle and begins with the letters YR.
If your bottle has one of these lot codes, it falls within the recalled products identified by Kao.
How to Check If Your Shampoo Is Recalled
Checking the bottle is relatively straightforward.
Step 1: Find the bottom of the bottle
Look underneath your Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo bottle.
Step 2: Locate the lot code
The affected lot information is printed in black. Look for a code beginning with YR.
Step 3: Compare the code
For the U.S. recall, compare the code against:
- YR010526
- YR010556
- YR010566
- YR010576
The first two apply to the 8.5-ounce size, while the latter two apply to the 33.8-ounce size.
Step 4: Stop using the product if it matches
Kao USA advises consumers to discontinue use of affected products regardless of their health status.
If you cannot clearly determine whether your bottle belongs to an affected lot, contact the manufacturer before continuing to use it.
Why Was the Shampoo Recalled?
The recall was initiated after Pluralibacter gergoviae was detected in select lots of the shampoo.
Kao’s announcement states that the affected products were manufactured during a specific production period in February 2026. The company said its investigation into the scope of the issue was ongoing when the recall was announced.
The July update did not announce a new contamination finding. Instead, Kao said it identified one previously restricted lot that had inadvertently been shipped after the recall began. That lot, YR010526, was therefore added to the U.S. recall.
This distinction is important because consumers may encounter different lists of affected lot numbers online. The July update should be used when checking the current U.S. recall information.
What Is Pluralibacter Gergoviae?
Pluralibacter gergoviae is a type of Gram-negative bacterium that can be found in environmental and moist settings. It is not a normal ingredient in shampoo.
The concern with bacteria in cosmetic products is that contamination can potentially expose consumers to microorganisms that should not be present in the product.
The FDA and Kao specifically note that Pluralibacter gergoviae generally poses little medical risk to healthy people, but people with certain health conditions, particularly weakened immune systems, may be more susceptible to infection.
That does not mean every person exposed to a contaminated product will become ill. The recall is a precautionary consumer-safety measure intended to prevent use of products from affected lots.
Can Pluralibacter Gergoviae Make You Sick?
Potential health effects depend on the individual and the circumstances of exposure.
Kao says healthy people generally face little medical risk from Pluralibacter gergoviae, while individuals with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to infection.
Consumers who develop concerning symptoms after using a recalled product should seek appropriate medical advice. People with underlying health conditions or concerns about possible exposure should discuss their situation with a healthcare professional rather than assuming that symptoms are caused by the recalled product.
The available recall information does not mean that every user of the affected shampoo will become infected.
What Should You Do If You Have a Recalled Shampoo?
If you discover that your Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo matches one of the recalled lot numbers, the safest response is to stop using it.
Kao recommends discontinuing use of affected products. The company is also working with retailers and salon partners to remove affected lots from sale and return them for appropriate disposal.
Kao has provided a professional hair technical hotline at 800-333-2442 and the email address oribecomplaints@kao.com for questions, replacement arrangements and reports of adverse events.
Consumers should keep the bottle and lot information available when contacting the company because those details can help confirm whether the product is covered by the recall.
Was the Recall Expanded?
Yes.
The original recall announcement identified three U.S. lot codes:
- YR010556
- YR010566
- YR010576
In July 2026, Kao added YR010526, an 8.5-ounce lot, to the U.S. recall. The company said the lot had previously been identified and restricted but was inadvertently shipped after the recall was initiated. Importantly, Kao stated that it had not identified any new bacterial contamination as a result of the update.
This means consumers should rely on the updated four-lot list rather than older articles that may only mention three codes.
Are Other Shampoos Affected?
The phrase “Pluralibacter gergoviae shampoo recall” can refer to more than one recall internationally, so consumers should be careful when reading online reports.
For example, South Africa’s National Consumer Commission announced a September 2026 recall involving WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo, 250 ml, after the presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae was identified. The product had been sold through Woolworths stores and exported to several neighboring and regional markets.
That is a separate recall from the U.S. Oribe recall.
There was also a June 2026 Cien Shampoo Feuchtigkeit recall in Germany involving a specific batch reported to contain Pluralibacter gergoviae.
Consumers should therefore avoid assuming that a recall involving one brand automatically applies to another. Brand name, product name, country, size and lot number all matter.
What Consumers Should Remember
The most important information from the U.S. recall can be summarized simply:
- The affected product is Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo.
- The recall involves 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce bottles.
- The affected products were manufactured between February 21 and February 26, 2026.
- U.S. lot codes currently identified are YR010526, YR010556, YR010566 and YR010576.
- The lot code is printed on the bottom of the bottle.
- The recall involves detection of Pluralibacter gergoviae.
- Kao advises consumers to discontinue use of affected products.
- People with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to infection from the bacterium.
If your bottle is not one of the listed lots, it should not automatically be assumed to be recalled based solely on the product name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shampoo was recalled because of Pluralibacter gergoviae?
In the United States, Kao USA recalled select lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce sizes after detection of Pluralibacter gergoviae. The FDA published the recall notice on July 1, 2026.
What are the recalled Oribe shampoo lot numbers?
The current U.S. list includes YR010526, YR010556, YR010566 and YR010576. YR010526 and YR010556 are associated with the 8.5-ounce size, while YR010566 and YR010576 apply to the 33.8-ounce size.
Where can I find the Oribe shampoo lot number?
The lot code is printed in black on the bottom of the bottle. Kao says affected codes begin with the prefix “YR.” Consumers should compare the complete code with the current recall list.
Is Pluralibacter gergoviae dangerous?
Kao and the FDA state that the bacterium generally poses little medical risk to healthy people, although individuals with certain health conditions, including weakened immune systems, may be more susceptible to infection.
Should I stop using recalled Oribe shampoo?
Yes. Kao USA advises consumers to discontinue use of affected products regardless of health status. Consumers can contact Kao’s professional hair technical hotline or email the company for questions and replacement information.
Was the Oribe shampoo recall expanded?
Yes. In July 2026, Kao added lot YR010526 to the U.S. recall after determining that a previously restricted lot had inadvertently been shipped. Kao said it had not identified new bacterial contamination in connection with that update.
Does the recall affect every Oribe shampoo?
No. The recall is limited to specified lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in the identified sizes. Consumers should check the exact product and lot code rather than assuming that every Oribe shampoo is affected.
Conclusion
The Pluralibacter gergoviae shampoo recall is a product-specific recall involving select lots of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in the United States and Canada. The key step for consumers is to check the lot code on the bottom of the bottle and compare it with the current recall list.
For U.S. consumers, the affected lots are YR010526, YR010556, YR010566 and YR010576. Kao advises anyone with an affected product to stop using it and contact the company with questions or replacement requests.
Because recall information can change, consumers should rely on the latest FDA and manufacturer notices rather than older social-media posts or outdated articles when deciding whether a particular bottle is affected.
