The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent recall for a popular hair care set sold online, citing a serious chemical risk to consumers. The Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner set, available through Amazon UK, has been removed from sale after tests revealed it contains a banned ingredient alongside undeclared allergens.
Immediate Recall Due to Prohibited Substance
Authorities confirmed the product contains zinc pyrithione, an ingredient prohibited for use in cosmetic products within the United Kingdom and European Union. While this chemical is sometimes used internationally as an antimicrobial and anti-fungal agent in dandruff treatments, it has been classified as unsafe for cosmetic use following laboratory studies.
Research has indicated potential risks to reproductive health, fertility, and DNA damage, prompting strict regulatory controls. The presence of this banned substance alone triggered immediate action from product safety officials.
Additional Undeclared Allergens Discovered
Further investigation revealed the shampoo and conditioner set contained several ingredients not listed on the product labelling. The OPSS specifically identified hydroxycitronellal, hexyl cinnamal, and limonene as undeclared allergens present in the formulation.
This omission creates significant allergy risks, as consumers with sensitivities might use the products unaware of their contents. The safety body warned this could lead to unexpected allergic reactions among vulnerable users.
Specific Product Identification
The affected products are specifically the Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner set sold through Amazon UK. The marketplace codes for identification are:
- Shampoo: B0D5DBM7G7
- Conditioner: B0D5D9BF3Q
Only products bearing the batch code HS5130 Jul 2025 395.00 1.98 are subject to this recall. Consumers who have purchased items with this specific identification should immediately discontinue use.
Regulatory Action and Border Controls
Following the discovery of both the banned chemical and undeclared allergens, the product has been removed from Amazon's online marketplace and prevented from entering the United Kingdom through border controls. This swift action reflects the serious nature of the safety concerns identified by regulators.
The OPSS, which operates to protect consumers from product-related harm, emphasised that the shampoo and conditioner set presents a serious chemical risk that warranted immediate intervention. Their primary function involves ensuring both consumers and businesses can engage in commerce with confidence regarding product safety standards.
This incident highlights the ongoing importance of rigorous product testing and accurate ingredient labelling within the cosmetics industry, particularly for items sold through major online platforms where regulatory oversight must remain vigilant.
