An urgent product recall has been issued across the United Kingdom after a shampoo and conditioner set was found to contain a prohibited chemical, alongside multiple undeclared allergens. The products, sold online through Amazon, have since been delisted and blocked from entering the UK at the border.
The alert concerns the Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Set, manufactured in India and distributed via the Amazon marketplace. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has described the chemical risk as serious, warning that consumers may unknowingly be exposed to ingredients linked to DNA damage and allergic reactions.
Banned Substance Found in Anti-dandruff Product
The central issue stems from the presence of Zinc Pyrithione, a substance banned from cosmetic products under European regulation due to its potential to damage DNA and affect reproductive health. The compound, previously used in anti-dandruff formulations, is no longer authorised in the EU for cosmetic use. According to the OPSS, the Pilgrim haircare set lists this ingredient in its composition.
In response to the findings, Amazon has removed both items from its platform. Furthermore, the products were rejected at the UK border before they could reach consumers. The OPSS report notes the import rejection and subsequent recall as part of corrective measures now in place.
The shampoo and conditioner set was identified under the Amazon ASINs B0D5DBM7G7 (shampoo) and B0D5D9BF3Q (conditioner), with the conditioner specifically marked with the identifier “HS5130 Jul 2025 395.00 1.98”. Despite being marketed as a dandruff treatment, the use of Zinc Pyrithione puts it in breach of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, which prohibits the chemical in haircare and skincare items sold within the EU and UK.
Allergen Risk Not Disclosed on Packaging
Beyond the banned chemical, the OPSS has also flagged multiple allergens found within the product which were not declared on the label. According to the agency, the set contains hydroxycitronellal, hexyl cinnamal, and limonene, all substances associated with skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive users.
These allergens are typically regulated in personal care products and must be clearly listed to inform consumers. Their omission from the product’s ingredients list means individuals with sensitivities may have used the shampoo or conditioner without realising the risk. Hydroxycitronellal in particular has been associated with contact dermatitis, while hexyl cinnamal and limonene are both known to trigger skin irritation under certain conditions.
The Pilgrim product’s failure to declare these ingredients means it does not comply with UK and EU labelling requirements. According to Trading Standards, who notified the OPSS, the set was already in circulation before the chemical composition was identified.
While no injuries or adverse reactions have yet been reported, the serious chemical and allergenic risk prompted swift action. The authorities continue to advise anyone in possession of the products to stop using them immediately and report them to local trading standards offices.
The OPSS product alert (PSD number 2510-0132), published on 27 January 2026, includes images of the items to help consumers identify them. The affected products fall under the cosmetics category, specifically shampoo and conditioner items for personal care and grooming.
