UK Safety Authorities Issue Urgent Recall for Popular Haircare Products
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has escalated a critical consumer safety alert, mandating the immediate withdrawal of a widely purchased haircare duo from the market. This decisive action follows the discovery of a prohibited chemical substance within the products, posing what officials have categorised as a serious chemical risk to the public.
Specific Products and Prohibited Ingredient Identified
The recall specifically targets the Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Set. Regulatory testing confirmed the presence of Zinc Pyrithione, an ingredient explicitly banned from use in cosmetic formulations under UK and EU safety regulations. The affected batch carries the product code: HS5130 Jul 2025 395.00 1.98.
Authorities have confirmed the products have been removed from sale on Amazon, where they were typically retailing for between £12 and £20. The specific Amazon Standard Identification Numbers (ASINs) for the withdrawn items are B0D5DBM7G7 for the shampoo and B0D5D9BF3Q for the conditioner.
Multiple Safety Violations and Allergen Concerns
In its official statement, the OPSS detailed multiple compliance failures. "The product presents a serious chemical risk as the ingredients list indicates it contains Zinc Pyrithione, which is prohibited for use in cosmetic products," the agency stated.
Furthermore, the products were found to contain three undeclared allergens: hydroxycitronellal, hexyl cinnamal, and limonene. "This could lead to consumers with sensitivities using these products and having an allergic reaction," the warning emphasised. The OPSS concluded that the set fails to meet the mandatory safety requirements outlined in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products.
As a result of these violations, the products have not only been delisted from online platforms but have also been intercepted and turned away at the UK border, preventing further distribution.
Context of Recent Cosmetic Product Recalls
This incident is not isolated. Earlier in January 2026, the OPSS initiated a separate recall for two designer fragrances: Hello by Lionel Richie and Hot by United Colours of Benetton Fragrances. These perfumes, sold through Savers Health and Beauty, were found to contain the banned substance butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA/lilial).
For those fragrances, the OPSS warned that BMHCA "may harm the reproductive system, may harm the health of the unborn child, and may cause skin sensitisation." Consumers who purchased those items were advised to return them to Savers stores for a full refund, establishing a precedent for handling such safety breaches.
The consecutive recalls highlight ongoing vigilance and enforcement by UK product safety regulators, aiming to protect consumers from non-compliant and potentially hazardous cosmetic goods entering the marketplace.
