Quick Answer
In mid May 2026 Costco Canada and the manufacturer Mav Beauty Canada Inc. issued a voluntary recall of Renpure Tea Tree and Rosemary Scalp Rebalancing Shampoo and Conditioner (Costco Item #8434044) sold at Ontario and Quebec warehouses between May 10 and May 12, 2026.
The affected lot codes printed on the bottoms of the bottles are 2603C065 and 2604C066. The reason is "possible elevated microbial levels".
Stop using the product, seal the bottles in a plastic bag, and return them to any Costco for a full refund. No paper receipt is required.
Why This May 2026 Recall Matters
Buying in bulk at Costco is a staple of Canadian household routines, but a recent safety alert is forcing shoppers to double check the bathroom cabinet. In mid May 2026 a significant Costco Canada shampoo recall pulled thousands of large format hair care products from warehouse shelves over invisible but potentially harmful contamination.
We often associate recalls with food borne illness, but cosmetic and personal care recalls are surprisingly common and just as serious. If you recently picked up bulk shampoo at a Costco in Central Canada, here is what you need to know.
Which Shampoo Is Being Recalled?
The recall targets a popular botanical brand. The affected product is the Renpure Tea Tree and Rosemary Scalp Rebalancing Shampoo and Conditioner, sold as a two pack of 2 × 946 mL bottles under Costco Item #8434044.
The bundles were sold exclusively at Costco warehouses in Ontario and Quebec between May 10 and May 12, 2026.
How to Check Your Lot Codes
Not all Renpure products are affected. The issue is isolated to specific manufacturing batches. Check the bottom of each plastic bottle for a printed alphanumeric lot code.
| Affected lot code | Action |
|---|---|
| 2603C065 | Stop use immediately |
| 2604C066 | Stop use immediately |
If your bottles carry either code, stop using the product right away.
Why Was the Shampoo Recalled?
Mav Beauty Canada Inc. initiated the voluntary recall after internal quality control testing detected "possible elevated microbial levels".
Shampoos and conditioners are mostly water. To stop bacteria, yeast, and mould from thriving during months on a shelf or in a warm shower, manufacturers use carefully calibrated chemical preservatives. When a mixing error means preservative levels are too low, microbes can multiply inside the bottle.
The Health Risks of Microbial Contamination
The official notice says there have been no confirmed reports of serious adverse reactions tied to this product as of May 2026. The potential for harm is still real.
Using a contaminated shampoo can lead to:
- Skin irritation: unexplained redness, severe itching, contact dermatitis, or unusual flaking on the scalp and hairline.
- Infections: if contaminated product enters a minor scalp cut, a freshly popped pimple, or your eyes, opportunistic bacteria can cause painful localised infections that may need antibiotics.
The risk is meaningfully higher for people with compromised immune systems, eczema, or severe allergies.
What Should You Do With the Recalled Shampoo?
If your bottles match the recalled lot codes, follow these steps.
- Do not pour it down the drain: do not empty the bottles into household plumbing. Seal the closed bottles inside a plastic grocery bag.
- Return to Costco: bring the bagged product to the customer service or returns desk at any Costco warehouse in Canada.
- Claim your refund: Costco issues a full, hassle free refund for documented recalls. You do not need the original paper receipt, since Costco can verify the transaction using your membership card history.
Wider Lessons for Cosmetic Safety
Cosmetic recalls are a useful reminder that the preservative system in your shampoo, body wash, and hand soap is doing real work. Avoid topping up older bottles, never water down a product to "make it last", and replace anything in your shower that smells off, looks separated, or has changed colour. When in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shampoo was recalled at Costco Canada in May 2026?
The Renpure Tea Tree and Rosemary Scalp Rebalancing Shampoo and Conditioner two pack (2 × 946 mL).
Where was the recalled shampoo sold?
Exclusively at Costco locations in Ontario and Quebec between May 10 and May 12, 2026.
What is wrong with the recalled shampoo?
The manufacturer detected elevated microbial levels, meaning the preservative system failed and bacteria or mould may be growing in the bottle.
Do I need a receipt to return the recalled shampoo to Costco?
No. Return the product to any Costco for a full refund. The customer service desk can look up the purchase using your Costco membership.
The Bottom Line
If you shop at Costco in Ontario or Quebec and grabbed a Renpure Tea Tree two pack last week, check the lot codes on the bottom of the bottles now. If they match, bag them and bring them back. The refund is quick and the risk of skipping the check is simply not worth it.
