A Texas-based skin care company is recalling certain cleansers and creams over an ingredient mix-up that may cause temporary adverse skin reactions.
Drunk Elephant issued the voluntary recall on its website for the brand’s Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, Protini Polypeptide Cream, and Lala Retro Whipped Cream, including sample packets of the Lala cream found inside cartons of O-Bloos Rosi Drops.
“We ask customers who have affected products to stop using them,” the company said, adding that the O-Bloos Rosi Drops product itself is not affected and that products with other lot codes that are not listed are safe for use.
The company said the products are being recalled due to an isolated ingredient mix-up between preservatives and surfactants during production resulting in the formulation of certain lots of these products being compromised.
Certain batches of the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser products contain a preservative ingredient called Microkill COS which was not listed on the ingredient list.
Although Microkill COS is often used in cosmetics, it may cause “a temporary adverse skin reaction in those with a specific sensitivity to this ingredient,” Drunk Elephant wrote.
The recalled lots of Protini Polypeptide Cream and Lala Retro Whipped Cream include a surfactant called Mirataine CBS that’s not listed on the product ingredient list. The company said customers who are sensitive to this ingredient may suffer a temporary skin reaction if the product is used.
Drunk Elephant said neither of the creams contain preservatives, which may allow microbial growth.
The company found that some affected batches of the Protini Polypeptide Cream had bacteria related to the genera Klebsiella and Enterobacter, which are often found in water, food, on the skin, and in the bodies of healthy individuals. In rare instances, however, immunocompromised persons with or those with compromised skin may develop skin infections.
Similarly, affected lots of the Lala Retro Whipped Cream were found to contain yeast, some of which was found to be Candida parapsilosis. This yeast lives on the human body and skin without harm, Drunk Elephant wrote. In rare instances, however, immunocompromised persons or those with compromised skin could develop skin infections, with use of the contaminated product increasing the risk of infection, the company wrote.
Products Impacted by Recall
The company recalled the three products below, recommending that customers stop using them immediately and return the items to the company. People who purchased the affected products can find the lot code on the package.
Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser:
- Lots 4135HG and 4144HG, 150 ml; sold at Ulta Beauty and Drunkelephant.com; available for purchase from May 29, 2024
- Lot 4150HG, 60 ml; sold at Sephora; from June 18, 2024
- Lot 4156HG, 15 ml; sampled at Sephora and Ulta Beauty; from July 22, 2024
Protini Polypeptide Cream:
- Lots 4163BG, 4165SG, and 4165TG, 50 ml; sold at Ulta Beauty and Drunkelephant.com; from June 27, 2024
Lala Retro Whipped Cream:
- Lots 4177QG, 4178PG, 4190QG, 4191QG, and 4205QG, 50 ml; sold at Sephora, Sephora at Kohl’s, Ulta Beauty, Amazon, Drunkelephant.com, and 3Sixty Duty Free; from July 24, 2024
- Lot 4182QG, 15 ml; sampled at Sephora and Ulta Beauty; from Sept. 5, 2024
- Lot 4167PG, 5 ml; sold at Ulta Beauty; from Sept. 25, 2024
- Lots 4199AC-A, 4204AC, and 4205AC, sample packets distributed at Sephora at Kohl’s, Ulta Beauty, Amazon, and Drunkelephant.com; from Aug. 14, 2024
Owners of the affected products can return the items to Drunk Elephant by filling out a return form—using one form per product—or by contacting the Drunk Elephant customer relations team at 1-800-604-1795. Customers can also email the company at the following address: [email protected].
Drunk Elephant added that a pre-paid shipping label to return customers’ affected products will be provided. Once the product has been received and the lot code verified, the company will issue a refund and send product replacement.
“The quality of our products and the satisfaction of our customers are our top priorities,” the company said. “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”