Neutrogena makeup remover wipes recalled after positive bacteria test

David J. Neal, Miami Herald on Oct 27, 2025

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One lot of Neutrogena makeup remover wipes has been recalled by Kenvue Brands after testing found a bacteria dangerous to people with weakened immune systems.

The 15,744 two-packs of 25-count packs — or 31,488 25-count packs — in lot No. 1835U6325A of Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes went to Florida, South Carolina, Texas and Georgia, according to the FDA’s enforcement alert.

“During an internal investigation, (Kenvue) discovered that the product tested positive for pluralibacter gergoviae,” the alert said.

Cosmetic testing company Melbec Microbiology says pluralibacter “is becoming a real concern in the cosmetics and personal care industry due to its resistance to many common preservatives and its potential to cause infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.”

While it shouldn’t bother healthy people with normal immune systems, Melbec said, if you have a weakened immune system or chronic illness, you can suffer an infection leading to “respiratory diseases, urinary tract infections, eye infections, and sepsis.”

The original recall was Sept. 19. The reason you didn’t hear about it then is Kenvue didn’t issue a news release or put the recall on its Facebook or Instagram pages. FDA Enforcement Alerts included the recall after the agency classified it as a Class II recall.

A Class II recall means using or being exposed to the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”