mobile-logo

Kenvue Brands, LLC issued a voluntary recall on September 19, 2025, for specific Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes (50-count, 25-pack) after internal testing detected the bacterium Pluralibacter gergoviae. The FDA classified the action as a Class II recall on October 3, 2025, indicating that any health effects from exposure are expected to be temporary or reversible. The recalled products had been distributed across Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.[1] [2]

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes Recall in the U.S. Market

Recall Dec 25, 2025

Share
Mail-bulk Linkedin X-twitter

Category of the product: Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes.

Type of the product: Cosmetics

FDA classification date: Class II, October 3,2025

Reason for recall: During an internal investigation, the firm discovered that the product test positive for pluralibacter gergoviae.

Kenvue Brands, LLC issued a voluntary recall on September 19, 2025, for specific Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes (50-count, 25-pack) after internal testing detected the bacterium Pluralibacter gergoviae. The FDA classified the action as a Class II recall on October 3, 2025, indicating that any health effects from exposure are expected to be temporary or reversible. The recalled products had been distributed across Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.[1] [2]

Reason for warning:

The FDA issued its warning after an internal investigation found that Neutrogena’s makeup wipes were contaminated with Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium known to pose infection risks. While it is especially dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems, it can also infect healthy people in rare cases. Melbec Microbiology reports that this bacterium has been linked to urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses, sepsis, and eye infections—prompting the agency’s concern and subsequent advisory.[3]

Root Cause Analysis:

The root cause analysis of the Neutrogena makeup towelettes recall found that contamination with Pluralibacter gergoviae—an opportunistic, preservative-resistant bacterium—resulted from procedural deficiencies during manufacturing. Internal testing detected the organism in certain product lots, raising concern because it can cause infections such as respiratory issues, UTIs, eye infections, and sepsis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Although the precise contamination point was not disclosed, Kenvue attributed the issue to lapses in manufacturing processes and voluntarily recalled the affected products out of caution.[4]

Product Description:

Field

Product Description

Brand

Neutrogena

Product Name

Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes

Format

Pre-moistened makeup remover wipes

Pack Size

50-count per pack

Bundle Size

25-pack

Affected Lot Number

1835U6325A

Product Type

Personal care / facial cleansing towelettes

Category

Over-the-counter cosmetic product

Intended Use

Makeup removal and facial cleansing

Consumer Guidance:

  • Consumers should check their Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes (50-count) for Lot #1835U6325A and immediately stop using any recalled packs.
  • They can contact Neutrogena’s Consumer Care line at 1-800-582-4048 for refund or disposal instructions, and should seek medical attention if they notice signs of infection, particularly if they are immunocompromised.
  • As general guidance, consumers are advised to always verify lot numbers during recall alerts, discontinue use of affected products, follow company instructions provided in official notices, and stay alert to any health symptoms that may arise from exposure.
FRLBLOGIMAGE5

FRL commentary:

The Neutrogena makeup towelettes recall highlights the need for stringent quality control and robust manufacturing in cosmetics. The discovery of Pluralibacter gergoviae, a preservative-resistant bacterium, illustrates contamination risks, especially for immunocompromised consumers. This incident underscores the vital role of regulatory bodies like the FDA, compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and regular testing to ensure product safety and public health.

Conclusion:

Cosmetics manufacturers need to create complete quality control systems and absolute production controls to prevent bacteria from entering their products according to the Neutrogena towelettes recall. Organizations that follow strict GMP practices and perform complete testing procedures protect consumer safety. The partnership with Food Research Lab helps manufacturers detect contaminants more effectively while identifying contamination origins and obtaining regulatory clearance which produces safer high-quality products.

Reference:

  1. S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Enforcement Report for Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes (Product 216059). Accessdata FDA. Retrieved December 12, 2025, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Product=216059 (FDA Access Data)
  2. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2014, July 31). Recalls background and definitions. https://www.fda.gov/safety/industry-guidance-recalls/recalls-background-and-definitions (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
  3. O’Donnell, L. (2025, October 27). The FDA recalled these popular Neutrogena makeup wipes due to a bacteria risk. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/a69146554/neutrogena-makeup-wipes-recall-2025/ (Good Housekeeping)
  4. Neutrogena wipes recalled after testing positive for bacteria. (2025, October 26). LiveMint. https://www.livemint.com/us/trending/neutrogena-wipes-recalled-fda-popular-makeup-remover-alert-bacteria-pluralibacter-gergoviae-11761406495919.html (mint)
  5. NBC News. (2025). Neutrogena makeup wipes recall 2025 [Online news article]. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/neutrogena-makeup-wipes-recall-2025-rcna239204
Food Research Circle Logo
Let’s create something Innovative and Delicious together

Food Research Lab strives for excellence in new Food, Beverage and Nutraceutical Product Research and Development by offering cutting edge scientific analysis and expertise.

New Product Concepts

New Product Concepts
Sample Request

Sample Request
Quote Request

Quote Request
Connect An Expert

Connect an Expert
whatsapp