Health Canada recalls Shades of Grey soap over excessive methyl eugenol

Health Canada issued a consumer product recall for Lake of the Woods Sunrise Soap Co.'s Shades of Grey bars of soap after sampling found the product contained methyl eugenol above the maximum concentration allowed under the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. The agency said methyl eugenol is restricted as a pure ingredient because of potential carcinogenicity and other health concerns; it may be permitted only as a naturally occurring component of some botanical extracts under strict limits.

The recall covers multiple sizes of Shades of Grey soap and carries identification RA-81474. Health Canada reported approximately 400 units sold in Canada, with the sales timeframe listed through January 2026. The agency noted there were no reported incidents as of January 7, 2026. Consumers are instructed to stop using the product immediately, dispose of it, or contact the company for a replacement. Health Canada’s recall alert provides further reporting resources and guidance.

For soapmakers, bath-bomb crafters, and small-batch formulators, this recall matters beyond a single SKU. Methyl eugenol can appear naturally in botanical extracts used for fragrance and top notes, and the Hotlist’s limits are strict. If a supplier extract or essential oil carries higher-than-expected levels, that can push a finished bar or bath product out of compliance even when the ingredient list seems innocuous. Verify supplier certificates of analysis, request specific methyl eugenol testing when working with botanicals, and quarantine existing stock of Shades of Grey or any items that used the same supplier lot until the issue is resolved.

Retailers and makers who sold the recalled bars should check their inventories and customer records against the recall ID RA-81474 and advise buyers to follow Health Canada’s disposal or replacement instructions. Consumers who purchased the product should immediately stop using the bars and either dispose of them safely or contact Lake of the Woods Sunrise Soap Co. for next steps, as outlined in the recall notice.

This recall is a reminder that fragrance chemistry matters as much as color and fizz when it comes to safety and compliance. Keep supplier paperwork up to date, batch-test new botanical extracts, and monitor Health Canada recall listings for changes. For now, isolate any Shades of Grey stock, follow the recall instructions, and expect follow-up from the company or regulators as they work through replacements and reporting.