Pilgrim Shampoo Recalled In UK Over Banned Chemical

For many, the daily ritual of washing hair is a moment of self-care—a simple act that promises freshness and confidence. But for some UK shoppers, that routine has been abruptly interrupted by a major safety warning. On January 29, 2026, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a sweeping recall for the Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Set, citing what it called a "serious chemical risk" due to the presence of a banned ingredient and undeclared allergens. The products, once readily available on Amazon for between £12 and £20, have now vanished from digital shelves and been blocked from entering the country.

The OPSS alert was clear and unequivocal. According to The Mirror and Express, "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 shampoo and conditioner pair, identified by the code HS5130 Jul 2025 395.00 1.98 and Amazon reference numbers B0D5DBM7G7 (shampoo) and B0D5D9BF3Q (conditioner), were pulled from sale as soon as officials confirmed the presence of the banned chemical.

Zinc Pyrithione, once a common ingredient in anti-dandruff products, has been outlawed in the UK and European Union for cosmetic use due to mounting evidence of its potential health risks. While it acts as an antimicrobial and anti-fungal agent—making it effective for treating dandruff and scalp psoriasis—laboratory studies have raised alarms over its possible effects on reproduction, fertility, and even DNA damage. As a result, regulators have taken a hard line, barring its use in products intended for everyday consumers.

The OPSS did not stop at the banned chemical. The agency also flagged the Pilgrim set for containing undeclared allergens: hydroxycitronellal, hexyl cinnamal, and limonene. These ingredients, though commonly used for fragrance, can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals if not properly disclosed. "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," the OPSS warned, as reported by The Independent and Express.

Such omissions are not just a matter of oversight—they are a violation of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, the strict European law governing cosmetic products. This regulation requires full transparency in ingredient labeling, particularly for substances known to cause allergies. The OPSS stated, "The product does not meet the requirements of the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products." As a result, the agency took decisive action, removing the products from Amazon and ensuring that shipments were stopped at the UK border.

The Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Set is not the only personal care product to come under the OPSS microscope this month. Earlier in January 2026, two designer fragrances—Hello by Lionel Richie and Hot by United Colours of Benetton—were recalled from Savers Health and Beauty stores. The reason? Both perfumes contained butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), also known as lilial, a substance banned in cosmetic products for its potential to harm the reproductive system, the health of unborn children, and for its ability to cause skin sensitisation.

The OPSS’s alert on the fragrances was just as stern as its shampoo warning: "The products present a serious chemical risk as they contain butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA/lilial), which is prohibited in cosmetic products. BMHCA may harm the reproductive system, may harm the health of the unborn child, and may cause skin sensitisation. The products do not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009." Customers who purchased either fragrance were urged to return them to Savers for a full refund—no questions asked.

These recalls are part of a broader effort by UK authorities to clamp down on non-compliant or dangerous consumer products. The OPSS, established to protect the public from product-related harm, has been particularly vigilant in recent months. Its actions are not limited to cosmetics and personal care; earlier this year, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) also issued a recall for a specific batch of Aptamil baby formula over concerns that it may contain cereulide toxin, which can cause vomiting and stomach cramps in infants. Thankfully, only one batch was affected and parents were promptly advised not to use the formula and to consult healthcare professionals if they had concerns.

For consumers, the wave of recalls is a stark reminder that not all products on shelves—or in online marketplaces—are created equal. The presence of banned chemicals and undeclared allergens in everyday goods can pose real risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and those with allergies or sensitivities. The regulatory framework, anchored by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, is designed to protect public health by enforcing strict standards on ingredient safety and labeling. But as these recent cases show, enforcement is an ongoing challenge, particularly as global supply chains and online marketplaces complicate oversight.

Amazon, for its part, responded swiftly to the OPSS warning, removing the Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Set from its listings and cooperating with authorities to block further imports. The affected products—those with the code HS5130 Jul 2025 395.00 1.98—are now off the market, but the incident has left some shoppers unsettled. After all, how many people double-check the ingredient list before lathering up?

The OPSS encourages anyone who has purchased the recalled shampoo, conditioner, or fragrances to stop using them immediately. For the fragrances, customers are entitled to a full refund at Savers Health and Beauty stores. While the risk to the general population remains low—especially now that the products have been withdrawn—the agency’s message is clear: vigilance is key. Consumers are urged to report any adverse reactions and to stay informed about product recalls through official channels.

Looking ahead, the OPSS continues to monitor the market for non-compliant products and to enforce regulations designed to keep consumers safe. The agency’s swift action in these cases underscores its commitment to public health, but also highlights the importance of robust supply chain checks and transparent labeling practices. As new products and ingredients enter the market, the balance between innovation and safety will remain a central concern for regulators, manufacturers, and shoppers alike.

For now, the Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Set stands as a cautionary tale—a reminder that what we put on our bodies deserves as much scrutiny as what we put in them.