A popular brand of Neutrogena makeup wipes is facing a recall due to possible bacterial contamination. The FDA issued the recall of the product, specifically Neutrogena’s Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes, back in September, but the agency has since updated the recall in October. Neutrogena’s parent company, Kenvue Brands LLC, conducted an internal investigation finding that over 1,300 cases of the bestselling wipes tested positive for a bacteria called pluralibacter gergoviae, which can cause a severe infection in some cases. These makeup wipes can found in most stores and pharmacies, like CVS, Walgreens, and Target, across the United States.
Neutrogena face wipes under Class II recall by FDA
This Neutrogena recall impacts cases of the towelettes that were sent to Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, per the official FDA report, but it is possible that they were delivered to states outside of those four.
The products being recalled are the 50-count, 25-pack version of the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes. Each individual pack comes with 25 wipes made with a plant-based cloth. The lot number is 1835U6325A, which customers can use to check if their face wipes match. The lot number can be found along the back of the pouch and is printed in a light gray font.
The FDA has classified this recall as Class II, which as defined on its website means that the product in question “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
As noted by Melbec Microbiology, P. gergoviae is a particularly prolific bacteria that has become “a real concern in the cosmetics and personal care industry due to its resistance to many common preservatives and its potential to cause infections.” In Europe, it has been found in multiple products like make-up, shampoos, and skin creams. While healthy individuals are unlikely to face any infections due to the bacteria, those who are immunocompromised may face severe complications such as respiratory diseases, eye infections, and sepsis.
It is recommended that customers who have purchased the product to dispose of them safely or ask for a refund at their place of purchase.
Other nationwide recalls this month include one for frozen shrimp and another for Coca-Cola.
