The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent recall for the Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Set after it was found to contain Zinc Pyrithione, a chemical banned in UK cosmetics due to fertility and DNA damage risks.
The products, typically priced between £12 and £20, were sold on Amazon and have since been removed from the platform and stopped at the UK border. The affected batch carries the code HS5130 Jul 2025 395.00 1.98, with Amazon codes B0D5DBM7G7 for the shampoo and B0D5D9BF3Q for the conditioner.
Zinc Pyrithione is used outside the EU as an antimicrobial and anti-fungal agent in dandruff treatments, but it is prohibited in UK cosmetics due to concerns over reproductive toxicity. The OPSS also found undeclared allergens in the set, including hydroxycitronellal, hexyl cinnamal, and limonene, which could cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
The OPSS stated: “The product presents a serious chemical risk as the ingredients list indicates it contains Zinc Pyrithione, which is prohibited for use in cosmetic products. It also includes the following undeclared allergens: hydroxycitronellal, hexyl cinnamal, and limonene. This could lead to consumers with sensitivities using these products and having an allergic reaction.”
Consumers who have purchased the affected set are advised to stop using it immediately and contact Pilgrim for a refund.
