In September 2025, Kenvue Brands LLC voluntarily recalled 1,312 cases of Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes (50-count, 25-pack, Lot #1835U6325A) after internal testing found bacterial contamination. The FDA classified it as a Class II recall. The affected wipes were distributed to Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. No other Neutrogena products are affected. If you have the recalled lot, stop using it immediately and return it for a refund.
If you use Neutrogena makeup remover wipes, this is information you need right now.
In late 2025, Neutrogena makeup remover wipes were recalled due to the presence of a potentially harmful bacterium found during internal testing. The recall was later escalated by the FDA, raising concern among millions of loyal users of the brand.
This guide covers everything: exactly which product is affected, what the bacterial contamination means for your health, who is most at risk, what to do if you have the recalled wipes, and which safe alternatives dermatologists recommend.
Table of Contents
Which Neutrogena Product Was Recalled?
Not all Neutrogena wipes are affected. The recall is specific to one product and one lot number.
The recall involves 1,312 cases of Neutrogena’s Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes in 50-count 25-pack wipes with lot number 1835U6325A. The makeup wipes were distributed to Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida on September 19, 2025.
Here’s the exact product to check:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes |
| Size | 50-count, 25-pack |
| Lot Number | 1835U6325A |
| Distribution States | Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida |
| Distribution Date | September 19, 2025 |
| Recall Classification | FDA Class II |
| Recall Initiated By | Kenvue Brands LLC (voluntary) |
Check the packaging for the lot number printed near the seal. Dot & Key If the lot number does not match 1835U6325A, your product is not part of this recall.
Why Were the Neutrogena Wipes Recalled?
The contamination was identified during an internal investigation, which revealed the presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae — a bacterium that can lead to serious infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. The FDA classified this recall as Class II, indicating that use of the contaminated product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
In a statement, Kenvue emphasised that customer safety remains their top priority. The company said that although the product initially passed quality standards, it was later discovered that “procedural deficiencies” during manufacturing may have allowed contamination
No other Neutrogena products are currently affected.
What Is Pluralibacter gergoviae?
This is the part most articles skip past — and it’s actually worth understanding, especially if you use water-based skincare products regularly.
Pluralibacter gergoviae (formerly Enterobacter gergoviae) is a Gram-negative, motile, facultatively anaerobic rod-shaped bacterium. It is of special interest to the cosmetics industry because it displays resistance to parabens — a common antimicrobial agent added to cosmetic products — and it is typically an opportunistic human pathogen, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients.
In plain terms: this is a bacterium that survives in water-based products precisely because it has evolved to resist the preservatives manufacturers use to keep those products safe.
It is a known cause of cosmetic contamination due to its resistance to parabens and other preservatives. Recalls have been reported from numerous hygiene products. JDDonline This has been documented in peer-reviewed research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The contamination of cosmetic products with P. gergoviae has led to several product recalls in Europe. The European rapid alert system for consumer products, Safety Gate, has documented multiple instances where products such as skin creams, make-up, and shampoos were contaminated with this bacterium.
This is not the first time in 2025 that a personal care company has issued a recall for possible P. gergoviae contamination. Earlier, Amika, a hair care brand, recalled all bottles of its mirrorball high shine and protect antioxidant shampoo sold in 2023 and 2024.
What Are the Health Risks?
Understanding the actual risk level here is important — and it’s more nuanced than many headlines suggest.
For Most Healthy Adults: Low Risk
The Class II recall involves a second-most-serious designation, indicating that exposure could cause temporary or reversible health issues — though the probability of serious issues is unlikely.
For healthy adults with intact skin and a functioning immune system, using a contaminated wipe is unlikely to cause a serious infection.
For Vulnerable Individuals: A Real Concern
Those with weakened immune systems can be particularly at risk — exposure can lead to respiratory distress, urinary tract infections, eye infections, sepsis and more, according to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
Pluralibacter gergoviae can cause severe infections in people who have weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or are undergoing a surgical procedure.
Infections caused by this organism are most frequent in transplant recipients, patients with hematologic malignancies, and in neonatal outbreak settings.
Why Face Wipes Specifically?
Water-based skin care, makeup, and personal care products — like the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes, which has water listed as the first ingredient on its product page — tend to be the most vulnerable to this bacterium.
The moist, sealed environment inside a wipe pack is an ideal setting for bacterial growth when preservative efficacy is compromised. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology published a cross-sectional analysis of FDA cosmetic recalls from 2011–2023 that found microbial contamination was responsible for over 76% of all cosmetic product recalls during that period, with bacteria being the most common contaminating pathogens.
What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Wipes?
Step 1: Identify the Product
Check the outer packaging for the lot number 1835U6325A near the seal. If it doesn’t match, your product is unaffected.
Step 2: Stop Using It Immediately
The FDA recommends avoiding the use of and disposing of the recalled products. SkinSort Do not continue using the wipes even if you haven’t experienced any symptoms.
Step 3: Return for a Refund
Consumers are advised to return the affected products to the place of purchase for a refund. SkinSort Kenvue has confirmed that refunds are available.
Step 4: Monitor Your Skin
If you have experienced any signs of infection — such as fever, rash, swelling, or unusual irritation — after using the product, seek medical attention right away.
Step 5: Contact Neutrogena Customer Service
For any questions specific to the recall, visit Neutrogena’s official customer service portal for current instructions.
Who Is at Highest Risk and Should Act Immediately
You should stop using this product without delay if you:
- Have a weakened immune system (HIV, chemotherapy, post-transplant, autoimmune conditions)
- Have diabetes, especially uncontrolled
- Are recovering from surgery
- Are pregnant
- Are elderly
- Have any open skin wounds, cuts, or active eczema or psoriasis flares
A medical expert noted that these types of bacteria are naturally found in soil and water and encouraged consumers to be mindful when applying products to their face when they have any kind of open wound — noting that while it’s most likely going to be safe, you could still be exposing yourself to bacterial infections.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Keeps Happening in Beauty
This recall isn’t an isolated incident — and understanding the pattern helps you make smarter choices as a consumer.
Research published in PubMed found that most cosmetic formulations contaminated with E. gergoviae strains show that maximum allowed concentrations of common preservatives like sodium benzoate are insufficient to limit this bacterium’s proliferation and adaptability in cosmetic products.
In short: the bacterium adapts to beat the preservatives used to stop it. This is a known industry-wide challenge, not just a Neutrogena problem.
Given the bacterium’s resistance to common preservatives, regular microbiological testing of cosmetic products, raw materials, and the manufacturing environment is essential. Despite P. gergoviae not being a specified organism in standard microbiological quality control batch release testing, it should be considered an objectionable organism — and it is recommended that cosmetic products be entirely free from this bacterium.
The FDA’s own regulatory framework is now catching up. Under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) of 2022, the FDA now has expanded authority to mandate cosmetic recalls — a significant shift from the previously voluntary-only system that had been in place for decades.
Myths vs. Facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| All Neutrogena wipes are recalled | Only Lot #1835U6325A of the 50-count, 25-pack Ultra-Soft Towelettes |
| The recall means Neutrogena is unsafe overall | Only this specific lot tested positive; no other products are affected |
| Healthy people face serious risk | For most healthy adults, risk is low; vulnerable groups face higher danger |
| You need to throw away all your makeup wipes | Only the recalled lot needs to be returned; wipes from other brands or lots are unaffected |
| Class II = dangerous recall | Class II means temporary or reversible risk; Class I is the highest severity level |
Common Mistakes People Make After a Recall
Continuing to use the product “just in case it’s fine.” The recall exists because the product tested positive. Don’t risk it.
Not checking the lot number. Many people throw away unaffected products unnecessarily — or worse, keep a recalled one. Always verify the lot number before acting.
Ignoring mild symptoms. Redness or irritation after using makeup wipes can seem minor. If you used the recalled product, don’t dismiss skin reactions.
Assuming online-purchased products are safe. Products distributed to brick-and-mortar stores in the four listed states could have also been sold through online retailers. If the lot number matches, it doesn’t matter where you bought it.
Safe Alternatives to Consider
While this specific recall only covers one Neutrogena product, it’s a good moment to review your makeup removal routine:
Micellar water + reusable cotton pads — No preservative concerns with a single-use system, and more eco-friendly.
Oil cleansing method — Removing makeup with a cleansing oil or balm is effective, gentle, and doesn’t rely on wet-wipe formulations.
Gentle cleansing wipes from other brands — Products with fragrance-free, low-water formulations and robust preservative systems. Always check for dermatologist-tested claims and batch traceability.
CeraVe, Cetaphil, or Bioderma micellar options — Well-regarded, widely available, and formulated for sensitive skin with stable preservative profiles.
FAQs
Q: Which Neutrogena wipes were recalled? The Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes, 50-count 25-pack, with lot number 1835U6325A.
Q: What states were the recalled wipes sold in? Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Q: What bacteria was found in the wipes? Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium resistant to common cosmetic preservatives that can cause infections in vulnerable individuals.
Q: Are all Neutrogena makeup wipes recalled? No. Only the specific lot number 1835U6325A is affected. No other Neutrogena products have been recalled.
Q: What is a Class II recall? A Class II recall means the FDA has determined that using the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, but the probability of serious harm is remote for most users.
Q: Can I get a refund for the recalled wipes? Yes. Return the product to your place of purchase. Kenvue Brands LLC is offering refunds for the recalled lot.
Q: What should I do if I’ve already used the recalled wipes and feel fine? For healthy adults, there is likely no cause for alarm. However, if you notice any unusual skin irritation, redness, swelling, or other symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.
Q: Is this recall relevant to India or other countries? Based on current information, the affected wipes were distributed only within the United States (Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida). There is no indication of distribution in India at this time.
Final Conclusion
The Neutrogena makeup remover wipes recall is a clear reminder that even well-known, widely trusted beauty brands are not immune to manufacturing lapses. The recall is specific — limited to one lot of one product distributed in four US states — but the underlying issue it reveals is worth paying attention to: water-based personal care products are uniquely vulnerable to bacterial contamination, and Pluralibacter gergoviae is an organism that has repeatedly outwitted standard cosmetic preservative systems.
If you have lot number 1835U6325A, stop using it, return it for a refund, and monitor your skin. If you don’t have that product, there is nothing to do. And if this recall has made you think more carefully about the products you press against your face every day — that’s not paranoia. It’s smart consumer behaviour.
