Simple micellar water recalled over ‘microbiological risk’ that can cause serious eye damage

Shoppers have been warned over one beauty product which has now been recalled over a 'microbiological risk' that can cause serious eye damage.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a recall notice for the Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water, with customers urged to check if they have the affected bottles:

• Product size: 200ml Batch codes: 610041, 611641, 615941
• Product size: 400ml Batch codes: 611141, 611341, 611441, 613341, 613441, 614541, 614741, 614
• Product size: 730ml Batch codes: 613841, 613941, 611041, 616641, 616741

Affected batches of Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water have been recalled over ‘microbiological risk’ (Getty Stock Images)

Not included in this recall:

• Other Simple products
• Any Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water 200ml, 400ml or 730ml products that do not carry the batch codes listed above

Batch codes can be found on the bottom of the bottle.

The company is recalling a limited number of Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water 200ml, 400ml and 730ml products with specific batch codes due to the possible presence of bacteria, which has the potential to cause eye inflammation for some consumers (Simple)

OPSS said: "It has been identified that affected batches may be microbiologically contaminated, which may cause eye inflammation.

"The affected batches do not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (the 'Cosmetics Regulation')."

The OPSS added: "The product has been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by Unilever. Consumers in possession of an affected batch should stop using the product immediately.

"Please access Simple Kind to Skin Recall Notice or contact your place of purchase for instructions on returns, disposal, and refund/redress."

The recall applies in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Simple has since issued a statement on the recall, which reads: "We are recalling these products because the safety of the people who buy and use our products is our top priority.

"Other Simple products are not affected by this issue. We understand that product recalls can be concerning, and we are sorry for any concern or inconvenience this may have caused."

Any customers affected have been advised to contact Simple's Consumer Careline by email on [email protected] for further guidance and a refund, or call 0800 146 252 (UK) or 1800 604 060 (ROI).

The bacteria found in affected batches have the potential to cause eye inflammation for some consumers (Simple)

While proof of purchase is not needed, customers are required to send a photograph of the product and the affected batch code.

Simple added: "The recall has been initiated following testing which identified the possible presence of bacteria in some units (within specific batches), which has the potential to cause eye inflammation for some consumers.

"If you have any concerns about your health, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional."

It added: "Simple has been caring for sensitive skin for more than 60 years, and we remain committed to making products that meet the safety and quality standards people expect from us."

Tyla has reached out to Simple Skincare's parent company, Unilever, for further comment.