Shiseido performs voluntary recall on sun protection and body wash items

Sun protection recall​

Shiseido revealed on 27th July 2017 that it was starting a voluntary recall of three of its anti-escape sun care protection products.

Its San Medic UV Medicated San Protect and two varieties of its Anessa Medicated Skin Whitening Essence Facial are being recalled. Watashi plus announced that these products were manufactured under specific conditions and therefore the company has judged that its "quality standard has not been reached”​.

Body odour​

On 21st July 2017, Shiseido also added a statement on its main Shiseido Company website detailing how it has come to light that some of its body wash products have an uncharacteristic odour. It highlighted how the products in question were produced between January to July of this year at its Kuki Factory.

“We have concluded that the quality of these products does not match the expectations of our consumers, and therefore have decided to voluntarily recall the affected products,”​ stated Shiseido on its website.

A number of production codes were published on the Watashi plus website to highlight to customers what products are part of the voluntary recall. These include:

• Kuyura Body Care Soap (Jumbo size) heartfully fragrant scent (jumbo size and refillable)

• Senka Perfect bubble Four body (Sweet Floral)

• Rose body soap RX

• Benefique Body Shampoo (Forming)

• Auslese Trocken Body soap

• Ageodeo 24 Men's Office Deo Body Soap

Consumer impact​

The announcement was made as Shiseido recognised that the issue resulted from an “inadequate management system during the mentioned period and resulted in failure to meet the criteria specified in internal regulations”.​

The leading Japanese personal care company highlighted that despite not raising any safety issues or providing any reduced cleaning abilities, it had commenced a voluntary recall to ensure consumer confidence is maintained.

“We deeply apologise for any inconvenience and concerns this may cause our consumers and business partners,”​ added Shiseido.

Notifying consumers of its “voluntary collection”,​ on its beauty website, Watashi plus by Shiseido revealed that it had “found an abnormality in fragrance”​.  

Ongoing investigation​

Since 21st July 2017, the company has been conducting a comprehensive internal investigation relating to the cause of this odour. In addition, it will also “radically review”​ its internal systems to avoid a repeat during the production of its goods, to maximise quality control.

Following its announcement, the company set up a limited hotline for consumers to report and submit its body wash products for recall.