Small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel are a common sight in hotels. Many guests use them without a second thought, even packing them into their suitcases before leaving.
However, behind these products lies a little-known reality: while most are safe, there have been reports of bacterial contamination, lack of required approvals, and hygiene issues with reusable dispensers.
This doesn’t mean that all hotel cosmetics are unsafe, but it’s worth checking them before using them.
A case that caused concern
One of the most serious incidents occurred in the
United States. Gilchrist & Soames, a supplier of hygiene products to numerous hotels, was forced to recall millions of units of shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and shower gel.
An inspection by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed significant microbiological contamination of some products.
Among the detected microorganisms was the bacterium *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), which can cause infections, especially in people with a weakened immune system, open wounds
or co-occurring diseases.
The FDA also found deficiencies in manufacturing processes, cleaning procedures, raw material control, and contamination prevention. The
United States. Gilchrist & Soames, a supplier of hygiene products to numerous hotels, was forced to recall millions of units of shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and shower gel.
An inspection by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed significant microbiological contamination of some products.
Among the detected microorganisms was the bacterium *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), which can cause infections, especially in people with a weakened immune system, open wounds
or co-occurring diseases.
The FDA also found deficiencies in manufacturing processes, cleaning procedures, raw material control, and contamination prevention. The
United States. Gilchrist & Soames, a supplier of hygiene products to numerous hotels, was forced to recall millions of units of shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and shower gel.
An inspection by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed significant microbiological contamination of some products.
Among the detected microorganisms was the bacterium *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), which can cause infections, especially in people with a weakened immune system, open wounds
or co-occurring diseases.
The FDA also found deficiencies in manufacturing processes, cleaning procedures, raw material control, and contamination prevention. The
company subsequently implemented corrective actions, and in 2018, the agency announced the completion of its review of these actions.
Official source: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/gilchrist-soames-485833-02202018
This case shows that even products manufactured for well-known hotels can raise concerns if sanitary control procedures fail.
Products without the required permits were also detected.
The problem is not limited to one company.
Philippine health authorities issued a warning about a product called “Grand Regal Hotel Conditioning Shampoo” because it lacked the necessary approvals. Because the product had not been registered,
company subsequently implemented corrective actions, and in 2018, the agency announced the completion of its review of these actions.
Official source: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/gilchrist-soames-485833-02202018
This case shows that even products manufactured for well-known hotels can raise concerns if sanitary control procedures fail.
Products without the required permits were also detected.
The problem is not limited to one company.
Philippine health authorities issued a warning about a product called “Grand Regal Hotel Conditioning Shampoo” because it lacked the necessary approvals. Because the product had not been registered
company subsequently implemented corrective actions, and in 2018, the agency announced the completion of its review of these actions.
Official source: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/gilchrist-soames-485833-02202018
This case shows that even products manufactured for well-known hotels can raise concerns if sanitary control procedures fail.
Products without the required permits were also detected.
The problem is not limited to one company.
Philippine health authorities issued a warning about a product called “Grand Regal Hotel Conditioning Shampoo” because it lacked the necessary approvals. Because the product had not been registered,
the agency could not guarantee its quality or safety. Official source: https://www.fda.gov.ph/fda-advisory-no-2022-0182-public-health-warning-against-the-purchase-and-use-of-unauthorized-cosmetic-grand-regal-hotel-conditioning-shampoo/
During a subsequent inspection of tourist facilities in the country, authorities noted that more than half of the toiletries suppliers inspected were not properly registered.
This does not mean that all their products were contaminated, but it does indicate thatthey may have been produced or placed on the market without the required quality control.
Risks associated with refillable dispensers
To reduce plastic consumption, many hotels have replaced small, individual bottles with large dispensers
installed in the shower.
While this solution can be environmentally beneficial, the type of system used is crucial.
Dispensers that use sealed, replaceable cartridges offer greater safety. However, dispensers that open to pour shampoo from a large container can become contaminated if not properly cleaned and disinfected before refilling.
Scientific studies of refillable dispensers have shown that bacteria can grow and form biofilms inside these systems. Previous studies cited by the researchers found contaminants in approximately one in four dispensers tested.
Full study text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
articles/PMC10191735/
Topping up occurs when new product is added without first emptying, washing, disinfecting, and drying the container.Bacteria present in product residues may adhere to the inner walls and contaminate the newly poured contents.
There’s also a risk of tampering with the dispenser by guests if it’s easy to open. Stories circulate online about people allegedly pouring depilatory cream or other substances into these containers.
While there is no evidence that this is common practice, an open or unsecured dispenser is an avoidable risk.
How can you tell
if hotel shampoo may be dangerous?
Before use, it is worth paying attention to a few details.
Do not use the product if the bottle:
It has a broken seal or appears to have been previously opened.
Shows signs of leakage around the cap. Contains fluid that has separated, is lumpy, or has an unusual color.
It emits an unusual smell.
It is completely devoid of any label or markings.
Looks like it has been refilled or used.
It has expired or comes from an unknown source.
In the case
of large dispensers, it is worth making sure that they are securely fastened and closed and that they are notshow signs of tampering. If the lid can be easily lifted or the contents look unusual, it is best not to use it.
