The recall involves SKCAIHT-branded costumes designed to resemble mermaid or princess outfits. The product features a strapless purple knit top decorated with white starfish and other sea-themed embellishments, paired with a glittery skirt made from blue, purple, and pink fabric. The costume was sold in a children’s size extra-large and also includes a matching headband with white ears adorned with blue seashells, pink starfish, and a mermaid tail detail.
According to the safety commission, testing revealed that the costume contains a phthalate that is prohibited under federal law. Phthalates are chemicals commonly used to make plastics softer and more flexible, but they are known to pose serious health risks to young children if ingested or absorbed. Exposure to these substances has been linked to adverse developmental and health effects, particularly in children who may place costume materials or accessories in their mouths during play.
The costumes were manufactured in China and sold exclusively through Amazon for approximately $30. Officials estimate that about 1,300 units were purchased by consumers between March 2022 and July 2025. While no injuries have been reported in connection with the recalled product, regulators emphasized that the presence of a banned chemical alone constitutes a significant safety concern and warrants immediate action.
Consumers who purchased the recalled costume have been instructed to stop using it right away and ensure it is kept out of reach of children. To receive a refund, customers are advised to cut the dress to render it unusable and submit a photograph of the destroyed product to the seller via the email address provided in the recall notice. The commission underscored that the costume should not be donated, resold, or given away, as doing so could place other children at risk.
The recall serves as a reminder for parents to remain vigilant about the safety of children’s products, particularly items purchased online. Federal regulations strictly limit the use of hazardous chemicals in children’s merchandise, and enforcement actions such as this are intended to reduce exposure to substances that could threaten child health and safety. Consumers are encouraged to regularly check recall notices and report potentially unsafe products to help prevent future incidents.
