The Neutrogena makeup wipes recall raised concerns among consumers who regularly use cleansing towelettes to remove makeup. In September 2025, Kenvue Brands LLC voluntarily recalled a specific batch of Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes after internal testing found bacterial contamination.
The affected products contained Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium that can cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as Class II, indicating that exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems.
However, not every Neutrogena makeup wipe was affected. The recall involved one identified lot distributed across four states: Texas, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
If you have Neutrogena wipes at home, the most important step is checking the lot number on the packaging. This article explains which products were recalled, what the health risks mean, how to identify affected wipes, and what consumers should know about the recall’s status in 2026.
Snippet-Ready Explanation:
The Neutrogena makeup wipes recall involved specific cleansing towelettes contaminated with bacteria. Voguecultures.co.uk provides independent, informational coverage of the affected products, potential health risks, and consumer safety guidance.
Neutrogena Makeup Wipes Recall – Quick Guide
| Recall Details | Information |
| Brand | Neutrogena |
| Recalled Product | Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes |
| Affected Lot Number | 1835U6325A |
| Quantity | 1,312 cases |
| Recall Started | September 19, 2025 |
| FDA Classification | Class II |
| Reason | Pluralibacter gergoviae contamination |
| Affected States | Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina |
| Reported FDA Status | Terminated February 27, 2026 |
| Consumer Advice | Stop using the affected lot |
What to Do If You Have Recalled Neutrogena Makeup Wipes
- Check the lot number: Look for 1835U6325A on the back of the individual pouch.
- Stop using affected wipes: Do not continue using products matching the recalled batch.
- Keep product details: Photograph the packaging and save your purchase receipt if available.
- Contact Neutrogena: Ask customer support about disposal instructions and possible refunds.
- Watch for symptoms: Seek medical advice if you experience unusual irritation, eye redness, or signs of infection.
Why Were Neutrogena Makeup Wipes Recalled?
The recall began after Kenvue Brands LLC, the company responsible for Neutrogena products, discovered bacterial contamination during an internal investigation.
Testing revealed the presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae in the affected cleansing towelettes. This bacterium is known for its ability to survive in certain cosmetic products, including some that contain preservatives designed to control bacterial growth.
Makeup remover wipes contain moisture and cleansing ingredients that help remove makeup, oil, and dirt. Manufacturers use preservatives and carefully controlled production processes to prevent harmful microorganisms from growing inside these products.
When contamination is discovered, the affected products may no longer meet expected quality and safety standards.
Kenvue initiated the recall on September 19, 2025, to remove the affected batch from distribution and protect consumers from unnecessary exposure.
The investigation identified contamination, but the publicly available recall details did not establish exactly how the bacteria entered the product.
Importantly, the recall concerned a specific production lot rather than evidence of widespread contamination across Neutrogena’s entire makeup remover range.
Which Neutrogena Makeup Wipes Were Affected?
The Neutrogena makeup wipes recall applied specifically to Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes sold in 50-count packages containing two 25-count packs.
These plant-based cleansing towelettes were designed to remove makeup while offering a soft feel against the skin.
The affected product carried the lot number 1835U6325A.
According to the recall record, Kenvue recalled 1,312 cases, with 12 retail packages per case. That equals 15,744 retail packages containing a total of 787,200 individual wipes.
These quantities describe products included in the distribution recall, not the number of people who purchased or used them.
Consumers should pay attention to the full product name, package size, and lot number rather than identifying a product by its appearance alone.
Neutrogena sells several varieties of makeup remover wipes, and similar packaging can make products difficult to distinguish.
Other products and lot numbers were not identified in this particular recall. Therefore, owning Neutrogena makeup wipes does not automatically mean you have a recalled product.
Where to Find the Lot Number on Neutrogena Makeup Wipes
If you are wondering where to find the lot number for the Neutrogena makeup wipes recall, start by turning your wipes package over.
The lot code is printed in light-gray lettering on the back of the individual pouch. Depending on the packaging, it may appear near a seam or other printed product information.
Look carefully for 1835U6325A, the exact code associated with the recalled batch.
Because the printing can be faint, checking the package under bright lighting may help. You can also use your phone’s camera to enlarge the printed characters.
Make sure every letter and number matches. A similar-looking code does not necessarily identify the same production lot.
If you purchased a two-pack bundle, check both individual pouches if they are available.
If the packaging is damaged, the code has faded, or you cannot read it clearly, avoid using the product until you can confirm whether it is affected.
Neutrogena customer support can help with product identification when the packaging information is unclear.
Recall Timeline, Affected States, and Latest Status
The Neutrogena makeup wipes recall began on September 19, 2025, when Kenvue voluntarily initiated the removal of the affected products.
On October 3, 2025, the FDA classified the recall as Class II. The issue received wider public attention later that month as news outlets reported the contamination.
The recalled products had been distributed to retail locations in Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Although these four states were specifically identified, consumers who purchased wipes through online retailers or received products from another location should still check their lot numbers.
Products can sometimes move between states through personal purchases, gifts, or third-party sellers.
As of October 2026, the FDA recall record lists the action as terminated, with a termination date of February 27, 2026.
This means the FDA determined that reasonable recall efforts and product-handling measures had been completed.
However, recall termination does not mean previously affected wipes have become safe to use. Consumers who still possess products from lot 1835U6325A should continue avoiding them.
The FDA identifies this recall under number C-0001-2026.
What the FDA’s Class II Recall Classification Means
The FDA uses recall classifications to describe the potential health risks associated with products that do not meet required standards.
A Class II recall means exposure to the affected product may cause health problems that are temporary or medically reversible. It also means the probability of serious health consequences is considered remote.
In simple terms, the Neutrogena makeup wipes recall involved a potential health concern, but severe outcomes were not expected for most consumers.
This classification falls between Class I, which covers the most serious health risks, and Class III, which generally involves products unlikely to cause adverse health consequences.
However, a Class II classification does not mean that every affected product is harmless.
Individual health conditions can influence how someone responds to bacterial exposure.
For this reason, consumers should follow recall instructions even when the overall risk is considered relatively low.
Health Risks Linked to the Recalled Makeup Wipes
The main health concern behind the Neutrogena makeup wipes recall was contamination with Pluralibacter gergoviae.
This bacterium can survive in certain moist environments and may resist some preservatives commonly used in cosmetic products.
For most healthy individuals, the likelihood of developing a serious infection from exposure is low. However, people with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable.
This includes individuals receiving treatments that suppress immune function or living with certain serious medical conditions.
The bacterium has been associated with infections affecting the eyes, respiratory system, and urinary tract. In rare and serious circumstances, it may also be associated with bloodstream infections or sepsis.
Because makeup remover wipes are used directly on the face, contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes deserves particular attention.
Damaged or irritated skin may also be more vulnerable to infection.
These are potential health risks associated with the bacterium, not proof that everyone who used the recalled wipes became ill.
The publicly available recall information does not establish a confirmed number of consumer infections caused by this specific batch.
Consumers should understand the possible risks without assuming that exposure will necessarily lead to illness.
What to Do If You Have Recalled Neutrogena Makeup Wipes
If your package matches lot number 1835U6325A, stop using the wipes immediately.
Do not continue using them simply because they look normal, smell pleasant, or have not previously caused irritation.
Bacterial contamination is not always visible, and the absence of noticeable changes does not confirm that a product is safe.
Before disposing of the wipes, photograph the packaging, including the product name and lot number. Keeping a receipt or order confirmation may also help if you contact the company.
You can reach Neutrogena’s customer care team through its official customer support service or by calling 1-800-582-4048 in the United States.
Ask whether the affected product should be returned or discarded and whether any reimbursement options are available.
If disposal is recommended, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or retailer.
Avoid using the recalled wipes for another purpose, such as cleaning household surfaces. A product recalled because of bacterial contamination should not be reused.
What If You Have Already Used the Recalled Wipes?
Discovering that you previously used recalled makeup wipes can be unsettling. However, exposure does not automatically mean you will develop an infection.
Many healthy people who come into contact with Pluralibacter gergoviae may experience no illness.
If you have already used the affected wipes and feel completely well, there is generally no reason to assume that an infection has occurred.
Nevertheless, stop using the remaining product and pay attention to any unusual symptoms.
Eye redness, swelling, discharge, persistent irritation, worsening skin redness, or signs of infection should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
People with weakened immune systems should seek medical advice promptly if they suspect exposure and develop concerning symptoms.
Seek urgent medical care for severe eye pain, vision changes, breathing difficulties, confusion, or other signs of serious illness.
You should also tell your healthcare provider which product you used and provide the recalled lot number if possible.
Consumers can report suspected reactions or product-quality problems through the FDA’s cosmetic complaint reporting process, including its MedWatch reporting system.
A report does not prove that the wipes caused the symptoms, but it can help authorities identify possible safety concerns.
Neutrogena Makeup Wipes Recall Refund and Replacement Options
Consumers who purchased the affected wipes may want to know whether they qualify for a refund or replacement.
The first step is contacting Neutrogena customer support and explaining that your product matches the recalled lot number.
Provide the exact product name, lot number, approximate purchase date, and retailer information.
If you purchased the wipes from a local store, you can also contact that retailer to ask about its return policy for recalled merchandise.
Online customers may be able to find purchase records through their order history.
However, the public recall information does not establish a universal refund or replacement guarantee for every consumer.
Eligibility, available options, and required proof of purchase may depend on the manufacturer’s instructions or the retailer’s policy.
If you no longer have a receipt, ask whether photographs of the packaging or other purchase details can help identify the product.
Avoid sending personal financial information through unofficial websites claiming to offer recall compensation.
Using official customer support channels is the most reliable way to ask about available reimbursement options.
Are Neutrogena Makeup Wipes Safe to Use Now?
One of the biggest questions following the Neutrogena makeup wipes recall is whether the brand’s cleansing towelettes are still safe.
The important distinction is that the recall involved one specific batch rather than every Neutrogena makeup remover product.
Other products and production lots were not identified as part of this particular recall.
However, the recall’s termination in February 2026 does not make wipes from lot 1835U6325A suitable for use again.
Consumers should continue avoiding that batch.
For products outside the recall, suitability depends on their ingredients, condition, storage, and individual skin needs.
Neutrogena makeup wipes are designed to remove makeup conveniently, making them useful for travel or occasional cleansing.
However, even non-recalled wipes can cause irritation in people who are sensitive to certain ingredients or experience discomfort from repeated rubbing.
If you have sensitive skin, check the ingredient list and choose products that match your skin’s needs.
For everyday cleansing, a gentle facial cleanser or micellar water may be another suitable option.
The recall alone does not establish that all Neutrogena makeup wipes are unsafe.
Bad Smell, Ingredients, and Signs of a Product Problem
Some consumers searching for information about the Neutrogena makeup wipes recall also wonder whether an unusual smell indicates contamination.
A noticeable change in a cosmetic product’s odor can sometimes suggest that its condition has changed.
Other warning signs may include unexpected discoloration, damaged packaging, unusual texture, or visible foreign material.
However, smell alone cannot confirm bacterial contamination.
A contaminated product may appear completely normal, while an unusual odor may result from factors unrelated to dangerous bacteria.
Makeup wipes typically contain water, cleansing agents, skin-conditioning ingredients, and preservatives. The exact Neutrogena makeup wipes ingredients depend on the product and formulation.
Preservatives help control microbial growth, but they do not guarantee that contamination can never occur.
Pluralibacter gergoviae is particularly relevant because it can tolerate some preservatives used in personal care products.
If your wipes develop an unexpected odor or noticeably change in appearance, stop using them even if the lot number does not match the recall.
You can contact the manufacturer to report the problem and ask for further guidance.
Neutrogena Makeup Wipes Lawsuit and Consumer Concerns
The bacterial contamination recall has also prompted searches about a possible Neutrogena makeup wipes lawsuit.
It is important to distinguish an official product recall from a lawsuit.
A recall is a safety action intended to address products that may present a risk or fail to meet expected standards. It does not automatically establish legal wrongdoing or prove that consumers suffered injuries.
As of October 2026, the available information reviewed for this article did not establish a verified court filing specifically arising from the September 2025 bacterial contamination recall.
Some law firms have published information about potential consumer claims, but an advertisement offering legal assistance is not evidence that a lawsuit has been filed or that compensation is available.
Neutrogena has faced other lawsuits involving makeup wipes, including allegations about skin reactions and product marketing.
Those cases should not be confused with the 2025 bacterial contamination recall.
Anyone who believes they experienced harm after using the affected wipes may want to preserve purchase records, packaging photographs, medical documentation, and relevant communications with the company.
A qualified legal professional can explain whether an individual situation may involve legal rights or potential remedies.
Conclusion
The Neutrogena makeup wipes recall involved one specific batch of Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes after testing identified Pluralibacter gergoviae contamination.
Consumers should check for lot number 1835U6325A and avoid using any remaining wipes from that batch.
Although the FDA terminated the recall in February 2026, affected products should not be considered safe to use.
The overall likelihood of serious health effects is low for most healthy individuals, but people with weakened immune systems may face greater risks.
If you have the recalled product, contact Neutrogena for instructions and seek medical advice if you experience concerning symptoms.
Checking official recall information and following appropriate safety guidance remain the best ways to protect yourself and make informed decisions about the products you use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Neutrogena makeup wipes recalled?
Neutrogena recalled a specific batch of Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes after testing detected Pluralibacter gergoviae. The bacterium may cause infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
How do I know if my Neutrogena makeup wipes are recalled?
Check the back of your wipes pouch for lot number 1835U6325A. The recall specifically affected Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes in 50-count packages containing two 25-count packs.
Are Neutrogena makeup wipes safe to use now?
The recall affected one specific production lot, not every Neutrogena wipe. Other batches were not included in this recall, but consumers should continue avoiding products bearing the recalled lot number.
What should I do if I already used the recalled wipes?
Stop using the product and watch for unusual symptoms, including eye redness or skin irritation. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms develop, particularly if you have a weakened immune system.
Can I get a refund for recalled Neutrogena makeup wipes?
Consumers can contact Neutrogena customer support or their retailer to ask about refunds or replacements. Reimbursement is not automatically guaranteed, and eligibility may depend on the company’s instructions or retailer policies.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Voguecultures.co.uk for general informational and educational purposes only. We are an independent information website and are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Neutrogena, Kenvue Brands LLC, or the FDA. This article is not a guest post, paid promotion, sponsored content, or advertisement. It does not promote or sell Neutrogena products. The information is based on publicly available recall details and should not replace official manufacturer instructions or professional medical advice. Recall information may change over time. Readers should verify current details with the FDA or Neutrogena and consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any health concerns.
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