Cosmetics and Beauty Product Recalls: What Consumers Need to Know
The lipstick in your bathroom drawer, the sunscreen on your shelf, the shampoo in your shower. You trust these products to be safe every time you use them. But cosmetics and beauty products are recalled more often than most consumers realize, and the consequences of using a contaminated or mislabeled product can range from mild skin irritation to serious health complications.
In 2025, the FDA tracked hundreds of cosmetic-related adverse event reports and issued numerous safety alerts covering everything from contaminated eye makeup to skin creams containing undeclared mercury. With landmark new legislation now reshaping how the FDA oversees the beauty industry, consumers have more reason than ever to stay informed about cosmetics recall risks. This guide covers the most common reasons beauty products get recalled, the new federal regulations changing cosmetics safety, how to check whether your products are affected, what to do if you own a recalled item, and tips for making safer purchasing decisions.
Common Reasons for Cosmetics and Beauty Product Recalls
Cosmetics recalls are triggered by a range of safety issues. Understanding the most frequent causes helps you evaluate the products you already own and recognize warning signs before problems escalate.
Microbial and Chemical Contamination
Contamination is the leading driver of cosmetics recalls. Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia have been found in eye shadows, mascara, setting sprays, and liquid foundations. These organisms can cause serious eye infections, skin infections, and respiratory problems, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or broken skin. Fungal contamination has also prompted recalls of products including face powders and pressed pigments.
Chemical contamination is equally concerning. Asbestos fibers have been detected in talc-based cosmetics, including products marketed to children. Benzene, a known carcinogen, has been found in dry shampoos, sunscreens, and aerosol body sprays, leading to some of the largest beauty product recalls in recent years. PFAS compounds, sometimes called forever chemicals, have been identified in waterproof mascaras and long-wear foundations, raising concerns about cumulative exposure.
Banned and Restricted Ingredients
Some cosmetics are recalled because they contain ingredients that are prohibited or restricted under federal or state regulations. Mercury has been found in imported skin-lightening creams, sometimes at levels hundreds of times above the FDA limit. Lead acetate, once common in progressive hair dyes, was banned by the FDA in 2022 but still occasionally appears in products sold through online marketplaces. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in hair-straightening treatments have prompted recalls and FDA warnings after salon workers and consumers reported breathing difficulties, nosebleeds, and scalp burns.
Color additives that have not been approved by the FDA for their intended use are another recurring issue. A lip product using a colorant approved only for external use, or an eye cosmetic containing a dye not certified for the eye area, can trigger a recall even if the product appears to function normally.
Labeling and Packaging Failures
Labeling problems account for a significant share of cosmetics recalls. Products may fail to list all ingredients, which is particularly dangerous for consumers with allergies or sensitivities. Undeclared fragrances, preservatives, and botanical extracts can cause contact dermatitis or more severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. For a deeper look at how undeclared allergens cause recalls across product categories, see our guide on undeclared allergens in food recalls, as many of the same supply chain failures apply to cosmetics.
Packaging mix-ups also trigger recalls. A product labeled as fragrance-free that actually contains fragrance, or a hair product packaged in a container meant for a different formulation, puts consumers at risk. Missing or incorrect usage warnings, such as the absence of required sunscreen drug fact panels on SPF products, are additional grounds for regulatory action.
Adverse Health Reactions and Consumer Complaints
Sometimes a cosmetics recall is driven not by a discovered manufacturing defect but by a pattern of adverse reactions reported by consumers. Severe allergic reactions, chemical burns, hair loss, eye injuries, and respiratory symptoms can prompt the FDA to investigate and the manufacturer to issue a voluntary recall. Under the new MoCRA regulations, manufacturers are now required to report serious adverse events to the FDA, which significantly increases the likelihood that problematic products are identified and removed from the market.
The MoCRA Act: A New Era for Cosmetics Safety
For decades, the cosmetics industry operated under remarkably limited federal oversight. The FDA had not received a major update to its cosmetics authority since 1938. That changed in December 2022 when President Biden signed the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, known as MoCRA, into law as part of the broader federal spending package.
MoCRA represents the most significant expansion of FDA authority over cosmetics in over 80 years. Here is what the law requires and what it means for consumers.
Mandatory Adverse Event Reporting
Before MoCRA, cosmetics companies had no legal obligation to report adverse health events to the FDA. If a product caused chemical burns or severe allergic reactions, the manufacturer could simply reformulate or quietly pull the product without informing regulators. MoCRA now requires companies to report serious adverse events to the FDA within 15 business days. This single provision dramatically improves the FDA's ability to detect unsafe products and issue timely recalls.
Facility Registration and Product Listing
MoCRA requires cosmetic manufacturing and processing facilities to register with the FDA and to list the products they manufacture. This gives the FDA, for the first time, a comprehensive picture of who is making cosmetics and what products are on the market. Previously, the FDA had no reliable way to even know how many cosmetic facilities existed in the United States.
Good Manufacturing Practice Standards
The law directs the FDA to establish good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations for cosmetics. While the specific GMP rules are still being finalized in 2026, the intent is to set baseline standards for facility sanitation, ingredient quality, contamination prevention, and record-keeping. These standards will bring cosmetics manufacturing closer to the oversight already applied to food and drug production.
Mandatory Recall Authority
Perhaps the most consequential provision for consumers is that MoCRA grants the FDA mandatory recall authority over cosmetics. Before this law, cosmetics recalls were entirely voluntary. If a company refused to recall a contaminated product, the FDA had extremely limited enforcement tools. Under MoCRA, the FDA can order a mandatory recall if a cosmetic product is adulterated or misbranded and the company does not act voluntarily. This authority brings cosmetics in line with the recall powers the FDA already has over food and medical devices.
Fragrance Allergen Disclosure
MoCRA also requires the disclosure of fragrance allergens on cosmetic labels. Historically, companies could list "fragrance" as a single ingredient without revealing the specific chemicals in the fragrance blend, even if those chemicals included known allergens. The new rules will require manufacturers to identify specific fragrance allergens, giving consumers with sensitivities the information they need to avoid triggering products.
How to Check If Your Beauty Products Are Recalled
Checking your cosmetics and beauty products for recalls is a straightforward process if you know where to look.
Gather Your Product Information
Before searching, collect the following from each product:
- Brand and exact product name as printed on the packaging
- Lot number or batch code, usually printed or stamped on the bottom of the container, the crimp of a tube, or near the barcode
- UPC barcode number
- Expiration or period-after-opening date
- Where and when you purchased it
Take photos of all labels and codes so you have the information easily accessible on your phone.
Search RecallPedia
Enter the product name, brand, or keywords like "cosmetics" or "beauty" into the RecallPedia search page. Results will display the recall date, the reason for the recall, the severity classification, affected lot numbers, and the recommended consumer action.
Check FDA Resources Directly
The FDA publishes cosmetics recalls and safety alerts on its official recalls page. You can also monitor the FDA's warning letters to cosmetics companies, which often precede formal recall actions. The FDA's voluntary cosmetic registration program database can help you verify whether a manufacturer is registered, though this will become more comprehensive as MoCRA's facility registration requirements are fully implemented.
Monitor the Manufacturer's Website and Social Media
Many beauty brands announce recalls or safety notices on their websites and social media channels. If you are loyal to specific brands, follow them on social media and check their websites periodically for safety updates.
What to Do If You Own a Recalled Cosmetic Product
If you discover that a product in your collection is subject to a cosmetics recall, take the following steps.
Stop Using the Product Immediately
Discontinue use of the recalled product right away. This applies even if you have been using it without noticeable problems. Many cosmetics safety hazards, such as low-level chemical contamination or bacterial growth, may not produce immediate visible symptoms but can cause harm with continued exposure.
Do Not Throw It Away Yet
Keep the product and its packaging. You may need the lot number and product details to obtain a refund, file a report with the FDA, or provide information to a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms.
Contact the Retailer or Manufacturer for a Refund
Most cosmetics recalls include a remedy, typically a full refund or replacement. Contact the store where you purchased the product or reach out to the manufacturer directly using the contact information provided in the recall notice. Many retailers will accept returns of recalled cosmetics without a receipt.
Monitor for Symptoms
If you used the recalled product before learning about the recall, watch for symptoms such as skin rashes, redness, or irritation, eye infections or irritation, allergic reactions including swelling or hives, breathing difficulties if the product was an aerosol or powder, and unusual hair loss or scalp irritation. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider and inform them about the specific recalled product.
Report to the FDA
File a report through the FDA's MedWatch Safety Reporting Portal or the Cosmetics Adverse Event Reporting portal. Your report helps the FDA track the scope of the problem and take stronger action when warranted. Even if you did not experience adverse effects, reporting that you possessed a recalled product contributes to the FDA's data. The FDA's ability to protect consumers depends heavily on the volume and quality of reports it receives.
Tips for Safer Cosmetics Shopping
While no purchasing strategy eliminates all risk, several practical habits can significantly reduce your chances of buying a product that ends up recalled.
Buy from Authorized Retailers
Purchase cosmetics from authorized retailers, brand-owned stores, and established chains rather than from third-party marketplace sellers, social media advertisements, or unauthorized discount websites. Counterfeit and gray-market cosmetics are a growing problem, and these products are far more likely to contain banned ingredients, undeclared substances, or microbial contamination. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely involves a product that does not meet safety standards.
Check Ingredient Lists Before Buying
Get in the habit of reading ingredient lists, especially if you have known sensitivities or allergies. Look for ingredients you know to be problematic for your skin or health. If a product does not have a full ingredient list on the packaging or the brand's website, consider that a red flag.
Be Cautious with Imported Products
Cosmetics imported from outside the United States may not comply with FDA regulations. Some imported skin-lightening creams have been found to contain mercury at dangerous levels. Hair-smoothing treatments from overseas markets have contained undisclosed formaldehyde. If you purchase beauty products while traveling or from international sellers online, be aware that the regulatory standards in the country of manufacture may differ significantly from those in the United States.
Watch Expiration and Period-After-Opening Dates
Cosmetics degrade over time. Expired products are more susceptible to bacterial growth and chemical breakdown. The period-after-opening symbol, a small jar icon with a number followed by "M" (for example, 12M means 12 months), indicates how long the product is intended to be safe after first use. Mascara and liquid eye products should generally be replaced every three months regardless of the printed date, as they are particularly prone to bacterial contamination.
Research Brands Before Purchasing
Before trying a new brand, spend a few minutes searching for it on RecallPedia and the FDA website. Check whether the brand has a history of recalls, warning letters, or adverse event reports. A single recall does not necessarily disqualify a brand, but a pattern of safety issues is a meaningful warning sign.
Stay Skeptical of Unregulated Claims
Be wary of beauty products making dramatic health or medical claims such as curing acne, reversing aging, or treating skin conditions. Products making such claims may be classified as drugs by the FDA and subject to a higher regulatory standard that they may not meet. If a cosmetic product promises pharmaceutical results, it may contain undeclared active ingredients or may not have undergone the testing required for drug products.
Cosmetics Safety in Context
The cosmetics and beauty industry has historically operated with less regulatory scrutiny than food, drugs, or medical devices. The passage of MoCRA is changing that landscape, but full implementation will take years. In the meantime, consumers need to be their own first line of defense.
The good news is that most major beauty brands take product safety seriously, invest in quality control, and act quickly when problems are identified. The recalls that do occur are evidence that the system, while imperfect, is capable of catching and correcting safety failures. For a broader perspective on how the FDA handles recalls across all product categories, see our analysis of FDA recall trends in 2025.
By staying informed, checking recall databases regularly, purchasing from reputable sources, and reporting any adverse reactions, you play an active role in keeping yourself and your community safe. A few minutes of vigilance before and after each purchase can spare you from the health consequences of a contaminated or mislabeled beauty product.
Key Resources for Cosmetics Safety
- RecallPedia - Search the recall database for any cosmetic or beauty product by name, brand, or ingredient
- FDA Cosmetics Safety - Official information on cosmetics regulation, recalls, and adverse event reporting
- FDA MedWatch - Report adverse events or safety problems with cosmetics and personal care products
- EWG Skin Deep Database - Independent resource for researching ingredient safety in personal care products
Cosmetics and beauty products are part of daily life for hundreds of millions of Americans. The regulatory framework is stronger now than at any point in the past eight decades, but the system still depends on informed consumers who check their products, report problems, and make thoughtful purchasing decisions. Take a few minutes today to audit the products in your bathroom cabinet. Your skin, your health, and your peace of mind are worth it.
For real-time cosmetics and beauty product recall information, search RecallPedia or visit FDA.gov. If you are experiencing a serious allergic reaction or medical emergency related to a cosmetic product, call 911 immediately.