Costco Recalls Some Hair Products Over Microbial Concerns

Costco has recalled some Renpure shampoo and hair products sold at warehouses in Ontario and Quebec due to potentially elevated microbial levels.

The retailer sent out a notice to customers who purchased the affected products advising against continued use to avoid possible skin irritation.

The recall applies to Renpure Tea Tree and Rosemary Scalp Rebalancing Shampoo and Conditioner sold in a set of two 946 millilitre bottles between May 10 and May 12, according to a notice issued by Vaughan, Ont.-based manufacturer Mav Beauty Canada Inc.

The affected products have lot codes 2603C065 and 2604C066, found on the bottom of the shampoo bottle, the notice says.

Mav Beauty says the recall is being done “out of an abundance of caution.”

“There have been no reports of serious adverse reactions associated with this product. However, this recall is being conducted to ensure the highest quality and safety standards for our members,” the company said.

The recall advises those who have purchased the affected products to return them to Costco for a full refund. Customers may also contact Mav Beauty directly through channels provided in the notice.

Microbes or microorganisms can enter cosmetics and hair products through contaminated raw materials, water used in production, manufacturing equipment, packaging, or even during consumer use after a product has been opened. If preservatives are insufficient or manufacturing conditions are not properly sanitary, bacteria, yeast, or mold can survive or multiply in the product.

In Canada, cosmetic regulations do not set specific microbial limits in law, but products must be safe and free from harmful contamination under the Food and Drugs Act and Cosmetic Regulations. In practice, industry and regulators rely on international standards such as ISO 17516, which typically sets acceptable limits of up to 10^2 CFU/g or mL for sensitive products and 10^3 CFU/g or mL for others, with certain pathogens required to be absent. Health Canada enforces safety through post-market surveillance and risk-based assessments rather than fixed numerical thresholds in legislation.

Health Canada has issued a number of recalls in recent years involving microbial contamination in cosmetics and personal care products, including shampoos, creams, and wash products. The most recent case occurred in December 2025 when a BEB brand hair and body wash product line was pulled from the market due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria such as Klebsiella aerogenes.