Within the past couple of months (i.e., October and November 2023), numerous cosmetic product recalls for microbe contamination and fragrance allergens, among other contaminants, have been issued. Two recalls by the manufacturers in the U.S. and one in Canada were due to potential microbial contamination. Numerous others were reported globally, in Europe, India, China and elsewhere, primarily for the fragrance allergen butylphenyl methylpropional. Following is a roundup.
See related: EU's Cosmetics Animal Testing Bans Challenged in New Court Decision
Mizani 25 Miracle Cream Leave-in Conditioner
L'Oréal USA issued a voluntary recall on Nov. 2, 2023, of its Mizani 25 Miracle Cream Leave-in Conditioner packaged in 250 ml plastic tubes with one tube per package. Per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the reason given was due to potential contamination with Burkolderia cepacia complex. The recall reportedly affects 487 units (Lot No. 48U401; Product No. P1895800) that were distributed in the states of AZ, CA, GA, IL, MD, MS, NV, NY, SC, TX, UT and VA.
Clean & Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleaner
A month prior to L'Oréal's recall, on Sept. 29, 2023, Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc., initiated a voluntary recall on its oil-free Clean & Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleaner with bursting beads, vitamin C and ginseng. The FDA cited microbial contamination as the reason (species unspecified). The recall affects 7,800 bottles of the 8.0 fl. oz. product (Bottle: 381370016175; Case Code: 111778211; Case GTIN: 00381371177820; Lots L19423VA1 and L19423VA2 of product code 111778211) distributed in the following states: OR, NC, FL, GA, SC, CA, MS, LA and TX.
See also: California Bans 4 Food Additives, FDA Proposes Same for BVO Emulsifier
Marcelle 40+ Anti-Wrinkle Cream
In Canada, the Marcelle 40+ Anti-Wrinkle Cream product was recalled due to a microbial hazard. According to the Canadian government, Groupe Marcelle Inc., found that the affected products do not meet microbial standards, as mold developed over time. As of Nov. 23, 2023, the company received five reports of incidents in Canada and no reports of injuries. The products are sold in a labeled glass cylindrical jar, in a secondary cardboard packaging. The products affected include the 50 ml (Lot (L)23F1652) and 75 ml products (Lots (L)23C1918, (L)23C1918S and (L)23F1918).
Butylphenyl Methylpropional Fragrance Allergen
According to the European Commission's (EC's) Safety Gate, numerous products, ranging from soaps and fragrances, to body care, shampoo, bath milk and others, have been flagged for the present of the fragrance allergen butylphenyl methylpropional. Several recent select examples are given below; see the source for the full listing.
Nov. 30, 2023
Annayake, Profumo Idratante per il Corpo, body care, France
Vittorio Bellucci, Missly Eau de Toilette, perfume, Poland
Vittorio Bellucci, Pamp Green Line, eau de toilette, Poland
Dorall Collection, Anabelle EdP, perfume, India
Creation lamis, Ablaze EdT, eau de toilette, United Arab Emirates
Leocrema, Leocrema Solare, sunscreen
Dorall Collection, Dorall Collection - Isle of Love, eau de toilette, United Arab Emirates
Vittorio Bellucci, Titanium Men, perfume, Poland
Infasil, Intimo Purity, intimate soap, Italy
Nov. 29, 2023
Nova Mystic, Nova Mystic, perfume, France
Comin Parfum, Michelle, perfume
Real Time, Crook, perfume
Cuba, Heartbreaker for Women, perfume, Morocco
Gordano Parfums, Allerte 35, perfume, Poland
Vittorio Bellucci, Missly Eau de Toilette, perfume, Poland
Nov. 28, 2023
Mantovani, Sapone Neutro con Olio di Argan Biologico, soap, Italy
Palmolive, Hygiene Plus, soap, Italy
Retinol Complex by Dermacos, Crema da Corpo di Siero di Vipera con Olio di Argan, body care, Italy
Dorall Collection, Anabelle EdP, perfume, India
Nidra, Bagnolatte iIdratante, bath milk, Italy
Biopoint, Ricci Disciplinati, shampoo, Italy
Cadey, Specific Zone - Braccia Toniche, body care
Dove, Silk Dry, deodorant, United Kingdom
Breeze, Sporting 24 hr Deodorante Vapo No Gas, deodorant
... etc.
Additional Noteworthy Recalls/Contaminants
Additional select noteworthy recalls in the past month or so, also per the European Commission's Safety Gate, include the following, among others.
Presence of Staphylococcus: Magic Lip Balm, People's Republic of China
Presence of salicylic acid and resorcinol: Circadia, Jessner Peel, body care, USA
Presence of clobetasol propionate: Lemon Clear, Soin Correcteur de Taches, corrector cream, France
Presence of methylisothiazolinone: Softsheen-Carson, Dark and Lovely Olive Oil, oil moisturizer, hair care, South Africa
