The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent recall notice for Simple 730ml Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water, stocked by B&M, Home Bargains, and Savers, due to potential eye inflammation risks from microbiological contamination.
Manufacturer Unilever requested that all retailers remove the product from sale. The recall affects batches 613841 and 613941, with barcode 8720181894381. The product category is listed as 'cosmetics personal care and grooming – cleansing/washing/soap -body'.
What consumers should do
Officials stated: "has been identified that affected batches may be microbiologically contaminated, which may cause eye inflammation." The product has been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by Unilever.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. The notice advises contacting the place of purchase for instructions on return or disposal and refund or redress.
What is micellar water?
Micellar water is a gentle facial cleanser made with purified water, moisturisers, and cleansing molecules called micelles, which attract and lift away dirt, oil, and makeup without being harsh on the skin.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this differs from many traditional cleansers that can dry out the skin. Dermatology doctor Sadia Tahir said: "Because it's so gentle, micellar water cleans without stripping away much of your skin's natural oils. That makes it a good option for nearly all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin."
