7 Recent Recalls: Babygenics, Tom’s of Maine, Amika, HiBAR and Others

In the past few months, several personal care products have been recalled due to safety hazards and regulatory non-compliance. These range from hair spray, repair cream, antioxidant shampoo and a conditioner bar, to tattoo ink, children’s sunscreen and toothpaste. Following is a roundup from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement report, public news reports and company alerts. 

In the past few months, several personal care products have been recalled due to safety hazards and regulatory non-compliance. These range from hair spray, repair cream, antioxidant shampoo and a conditioner bar, to tattoo ink, children’s sunscreen and toothpaste. Following is a roundup from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement report, public news reports and company alerts. 

1. CRLAB Hair Spray: Prohibited Ingredient  

• Product description: CRLAB Hair Spray, extra strong with basil and blueberry; 300 mL; made in Italy  
• Reason for recall: Contains the prohibited ingredient dichloromethane, which raises potential safety concerns  
• Quantity: 578 cans  
• Recall date: Dec. 12, 2024; classification date: Dec. 26, 2024; termination date: Feb. 18, 2025  
• Classification: Class II recall, indicating a moderate health risk  
• Manufacturer: CRLAB USA, Encinitas, CA

2. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: Inadvertent Distribution  

• Product description: Ultra Repair Cream, Coconut Vanilla, 396.8 g (14 oz.); sold nationwide at retailers like Target and Sephora  
• Reason for recall: CGMP deviations led to the inadvertent distribution of quarantined products 
• Product quantity: 2,756 jars  
• Recall date: Classified as a Class II recall on Jan. 21, 2025; initiated Dec. 23, 2024

Manufacturer statement: Impacted customers were notified, replacements were provided and specific usage guidelines were issued to consumers.  

3. Amika Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo: Bacterial Contaminant  

• Product description: Multiple packaging formats, including refillable pouches and bottles.  
• Reason for recall: Contaminated with Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium associated with health risks 
• Recall date: Dec. 2, 2024; classification date: Jan. 15, 2025
• Manufacturer: amika LLC, Brooklyn, NY

4. HiBAR Volumize Solid Conditioner Bar: Bacterial Contaminant in Ingredient

• Product description: Net weight 2.7 oz.; UPC 8 54323 00709 9  
• Reason for recall: Presence of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus bacteria in the product’s ingredient Rice Tein NPNF  
• Recall date: Dec. 9, 2024; classification date: Jan. 7, 2025
• Manufacturer: HiBAR, Saint Paul, MN 

5. Papillon Starburst Scarlet Red Tattoo Ink: Bacterial Contamination

• Product description: Tattoo ink, Lot #SCR0210-002, with expiration date 03/11/2027 
• Reason for recall: Contaminated with Pseudomonas bacteria, posing infection risks
• Recall date: Dec. 18, 2024; classification date: Jan. 28, 2025
• Manufacturer: Papillon Ink LLC, Enfield, CT  

6. Babyganics Kids SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen: Potential Impurity (Solvent) Detected

• Product description: Includes “Totally Tropical” rollerball and spray sunscreen
• Reason for recall: A potential impurity (solvent) detected during quality checks: monoglyme, also known as 1,2-dimethoxyethane, was present above the allowable limit, per CBC Radio-Canada news
• Recall date: Feb. 14, 2025, per the company  

Manufacturer guidance: Affected customers are eligible for a refund and disposal instructions are provided on the recall website.  

7. Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste: Manufacturerd with Contaminated Water  

• Description: Products manufactured with water contaminated by Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Reason for recall: Black mold-like substances and bacterial-contaminated water identified in the manufacturing plant  
• Recall date: Nov. 5, 2024

Inspection concerns: The FDA reprimanded the company for inadequate responses to contamination issues and manufacturing violations.  

Recalls: Important Reminders  

The outlined recalls serve as a reminder of the importance of quality control and regulatory compliance in personal care manufacturing. While most described here were Class II recalls, indicating minimal probability of serious health consequences, issues including harmful bacteria, prohibited or questionable ingredients, and manufacturing deviations can pose potential health risks to consumers.