Neutrogena Makeup Wipes Recalled Over Bacterial Contamination Risk

South Carolina consumers are being urged to check their bathroom cabinets after a popular makeup remover was recalled due to possible bacterial contamination.

Kenvue Brands LLC—the New Jersey-based parent company of Neutrogena—recently announced a voluntary recall of its Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes (50 count) after internal testing found traces of a harmful bacteria known as Pluralibacter gergoviae.

What Consumers Should Know

According to the company’s investigation, one specific lot—Lot #1835U6325A—tested positive for the bacteria. The affected wipes were distributed across South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Texas, totaling more than 1,300 cases.

Pluralibacter gergoviae is known to cause serious infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, eye infections, and even sepsis in vulnerable individuals. People with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of complications.

FDA Classification and Company Response

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorized the recall as a Class II event, indicating that use of the product could lead to temporary or medically reversible health effects. While this is not the most severe level of recall, it still reflects a meaningful safety concern.

In a statement, Kenvue emphasized 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. Kenvue chose to remove the product from stores “out of an abundance of caution.”

No other Neutrogena products are currently affected by the recall.

What To Do If You Purchased the Recalled Wipes

Consumers who purchased the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes (50 count) with lot number 1835U6325A should:

• Stop using the product immediately.
• Check the packaging for the lot number printed near the seal.
• Contact Neutrogena’s customer service for a refund or disposal instructions.

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.

Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights

Product recalls like this one highlight the importance of accountability in consumer safety. Manufacturers and distributors are legally required to ensure their products are safe for public use. When contamination or defective manufacturing puts consumers at risk, affected individuals may have the right to pursue legal action for medical expenses or other damages.

If you or a loved one has suffered an illness or infection possibly linked to a recalled consumer product, the Steinberg Law Firm can help you understand your options. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling product liability and injury claims in South Carolina.

You don’t have to face big corporations alone—contact us for a free consultation to discuss your potential case.