diff --git a/mm/slab_common.c b/mm/slab_common.c
index 7f492e53a7db..add3e4ca32c9 100644
--- a/mm/slab_common.c
+++ b/mm/slab_common.c
@@ -904,6 +904,18 @@ static void flush_memcg_workqueue(struct kmem_cache *s)
 	 * previous workitems on workqueue are processed.
 	 */
 	flush_workqueue(memcg_kmem_cache_wq);
+
+	/*
+	 * If we're racing with children kmem_cache deactivation, it might
+	 * take another rcu grace period to complete their destruction.
+	 * At this moment the corresponding percpu_ref_kill() call should be
+	 * done, but it might take another rcu grace period to complete
+	 * switching to the atomic mode.
+	 * Please, note that we check without grabbing the slab_mutex. It's safe
+	 * because at this moment the children list can't grow.
+	 */
+	if (!list_empty(&s->memcg_params.children))
+		rcu_barrier();
 }
 #else
 static inline int shutdown_memcg_caches(struct kmem_cache *s)