Only One Batch of Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Wipes Has Been Recalled

27.10.2025, 18:47 allure.com

If you're a faithful user of Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Micellar Cleansing Towelettes, you may want to take a peek at your batch number. One lot of the 50-count packs of makeup remover wipes has been recalled due to potential bacterial contamination.

Before you go tossing out every single pack of wipes you own, however, remember that this is just one lot of product and not a widespread recall. As noted by the FDA, a study was done by New Jersey-based Kenvue Brands, which owns Neutrogena. The lot in question, labeled 1835U6325A, tested positive for pluralibacter gergoviae, a type of bacteria that some research has shown is resistant to parabens (the preservatives that keep many products shelf-stable). According to the FDA's report, the recall is only applicable to products in Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

The FDA classified the Neutrogena recall as a “Class II,” which means “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” As Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, explains, that more or less means the situation is relatively low-risk. “The bacteria they found isn’t dangerous for most healthy people—it’s considered low virulence, meaning it rarely causes infection.”

According to Dr. Gohara, the “environmental bacterium” sometimes shows up in cosmetic products but “almost never” causes illness. She says the risk factor for the average healthy person is “very low,” but those with “weakened immune systems, open wounds, or chronic skin conditions” could face higher risk.

As a representative for Kenvue told Allure in a statement, Neutrogena has issued the recall voluntarily “out of an abundance of caution.” The batch in question might have been impacted “by procedural deficiencies observed during manufacturing. No other Neutrogena products or other lots of the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes are included in this recall. The health and safety of the consumers who use our products is our top priority.”

To reiterate, the Neutrogena recall is a relatively small one, but it's always a good idea to triple-check your product packaging and lot number to ensure your product isn't included in the recall. “If you have the recalled lot, stop using it and toss it. If you’ve used the wipes already and your skin looks and feels fine, you don’t need to worry; of course, if you have concerns, see a board-certified dermatologist," Dr. Gohara says. "This is really more about good manufacturing practice than any real danger to consumers.”

More beauty stories to read:

Now, go behind the scenes at Selena Gomez's Allure cover shoot:

Follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.