Interestingly, the product doesn't appear to contain the edible ingredient—yet authorities are citing mold contamination.
More Than 120,000 Bottles of an Oatmeal Moisturizer Recalled USA Nationwide
Updated Jul. 22, 2024
Either “Avena sativa” or “colloidal oatmeal” is typically a main ingredient in a true oatmeal-infused moisturizer. This is the case for a brand like Aveeno, whose products are formulated to soothe skin with the anti-inflammatory properties of oats, or to slough away dead skin cells with the natural exfoliating effects of the grain.
This week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that recently a dupe brand of Aveeno was recalled due to a health concern related to its ingredients. On June 7, 2024 a recall was initiated for 120,319 eight-ounce bottles of a Canadian-made product called “Oatmeal Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion” containing 1.3% dimethicone as the active ingredient.
The FDA says the recall applies to “USA nationwide” distribution. While it’s not clear where the recalled units were sold, by looking specifically for the manufacturer name Brands International Corp. and the Made in Canada designation, it appears the product has been marketed under the brand name “Kissable” on Amazon, possibly in addition to other brand names. The Kissable product features colors and other visual branding aesthetics that appear to mimic Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion’s oat stalk, green logo and earth tones, and placement of text.
The FDA lists two lot codes for the recalled oatmeal moisturizer:
Lot #24092009, expiration 03/27
Lot #24094010, expiration 04/27
The cited reason for the recall is Microbial Contamination of Non-Sterile Products: confirmed presence of mold contamination. This might make sense if the product did in fact contain oat or its extracts, but this point raises further questions about the full list of ingredients. Dr. Patricia Varacallo confirms that nowhere is Avena sativa or any form of oatmeal listed among the ingredients. Instead, the product contains ingredients like mineral oil and DMDM hydantoin, which is said to be used to control mold growth. Dimethicone as the active ingredient is a silicone product that has been criticized for its chemical exposure risk.
The product says it contains aloe and vitamin E, either of which may potentially be the source of mold.
A look at the front of a bottle suggests the product also claims to be fragrance-free, though Fragrance is listed as one of the ingredients.
The FDA has categorized this as a Class II recall.
| What Each FDA Recall Classification Means | |
| Class I Recall | “A situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” |
| Class II Recall | “A situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” |
| Class III Recall | “A situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.” |
The Cleveland Clinic explains that mold can be absorbed through the skin and can be hazardous, with most severe implications for individuals who have a mold allergy. The leading health system lists the following as symptoms of mold exposure: Runny nose or nasal congestion, wheezing, itchy eyes or throat, coughing and sneezing, headaches and skin rash. The Clinic adds that prolonged or more extreme exposure may lead to pregnancy complications, cancer, liver, kidney, or blood issues, and more.
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Originally Published: July 22, 2024
