Historically, beauty products weren't always known for their convenience — until makeup wipes entered the picture. They're an easy-to-use, travel-friendly and reliable product for taking off your makeup in just a few easy swipes. But if you're a frequent user, we have some bad news: Neutrogena has voluntarily recalled one of its bestselling makeup wipes because of a potential bacterial contamination.
Though the recall was first initiated back in September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made an update to the recall classification on October 3.
What Neutrogena makeup wipes were affected, and why were they recalled?
An internal investigation conducted by Kenvue Brands LLC, the company that owns Neutrogena, highlights that the recall covers multiple cases of the single-use Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes. These specific cases tested positive for the bacteria: Pluralibacter gergoviae.
The FDA labeled the recall as Class II — which is the second highest risk level within the agency — meaning, exposure to the bacteria "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote," per their site.
What is the pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria?
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman, pluralibacter gergoviae is "a type of bacteria that is usually in water and can cause infection in rare cases." In the cosmetics industry, this bacteria has been a culprit behind many recalls, per Melbic Microbiology, because of "its resistance to many common preservatives and its potential to cause infections." Thus, water-based skin care, makeup and personal care products, like the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes (which has water listed as the first ingredient on its product page), tend to be the most vulnerable to the bacterium.
For concerned consumers, Spearman says using products with the bacteria "could cause some temporary health issues, but nothing serious is likely to occur." However, exposure to the bacteria can be a risk to those with weakened immune systems and may lead to respiratory distress, urinary tract infections and more, per the Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
How do I know if my makeup remover wipes are included in the recall?
The FDA reports that the recalled product reflects 1,312 cases in the following states: Texas, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Here’s what to know about the recalled items so you can determine if you have the affected product:
- Item: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes, 50-count, 25-pack
- Lot number: 1835U6325A
To locate your lot number, check the back of the individual pouch for a number in a light grey font.
The bottom line
Ultimately, recalls among personal care products happen often, so it's important to be mindful of what you use. While you're most likely fine if you continue using the product if bought in one of the states outside of the recall, Spearman says it's better to be safe than sorry: “I would recommend disposing of them even if you’re not in the states they were sold just to be cautious,” she suggests.
Shop TODAY reached out to Neutrogena for comment:
"The health and safety of the consumers who use our products is our top priority. Despite meeting release specifications, one (1) lot of the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes, 50 ct. may have been impacted by procedural deficiencies observed during manufacturing," the brand told us in a statement. "Out of an abundance of caution, we have taken the action to voluntarily recall the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes, 50ct (LOT 1835U6325A) at the retail level. No other Neutrogena products or other lots of the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes, 50 ct., are included in this recall."
For any questions or concerns regarding the recall, Neutrogena advised customers to visit their customer service website for more information.
In the meantime, keep reading to discover expert- and editor-recommended alternative makeup removers to shop.
Other makeup removing wipes and removers to shop
An NBC Select bestseller, Cetaphil's Gentle Makeup Removing Face Wipes contain zero fragrance and alcohol for those with sensitive skin to use without experiencing any irritation. A blend of aloe vera, chamomile and green tea botanicals also help the wipes feel soothing and gentle on the skin, too.
This previous Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner uses micellar water to gently remove all traces of eye makeup in every swipe. "I was able to get my eye makeup off with just one or two swipes, generally," claims Sam Kubota, TODAY senior evening editor. "I also don’t think it left as much residual eye makeup, specifically mascara. Even though it’s oil free, this product did feel a little heavier than say micellar water, but it did not bother me.”
"I appreciate the gentleness of cleansing balms in comparison to other makeup-removing products, but I typically find that they leave some residual mascara or eyeliner behind," claims senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "Not so with this one: In my experience it’s incredibly effective, leaving no trace of makeup behind. And as a bonus, it smells great."
If you're looking to ditch makeup wipes as a whole, Spearman recommends the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water. Just use with a cotton round and "follow up with a cleanser to make sure the makeup is completely removed," she adds.
These cleansing melts from Olay were previously on the show and are an editor-favorite because of their travel-friendly size. Each pad is activated with water to reveal a gentle lather that removes makeup, SPF and more without stripping the skin, per the brand.
Whenever she's in a pinch, editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz reaches for these makeup wipes from Bliss. "I wear waterproof eyeliner and mascara and this removes it easily and has a nice (but not overwhelming) fragrance," she raves. "I like that it is oil-free (because I already have oily skin) and it doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky."
Another recommendation from Spearman, this cleansing balm from CeraVe is formulated with moisturizing ingredients, such as ceramides and jojoba oil, to keep skin smooth and soothed after removing makeup.
SEO writer Jannely Espinal also suggests the product, specifically for removing heavy makeup. "With a dime-sized portion, I can cover my entire face and clean it properly," she says. "It even removes clumps of mascara and shimmery eye shadow."
After relying on cleansing balms to remove makeup, associate editor Lauren Witonsky decided to give cleansing oils a try. She raved that it was “great at removing face makeup.” and is an ideal product for someone with dry, mature or sensitive skin “since it leaves a slight oily residue and is fragrance-free."
"For the girlie that is so exhausted at the end of the night and wants to do the minimal, this is for her," suggests TODAY trending editor Nicoletta Richardson. "It easily took my makeup off and had an exfoliating side, and it quickly dried so I didn’t have to do anything additional to use it the next morning.” Just machine wash and dry to reuse the makeup remover on repeat!
The benefits of coconut oil in skin care can range from fighting skin damage to moisturizing dry skin, per our previous coverage. It's one of the many reasons why deals editor Rebecca Brown loves using these coconut oil-infused makeup wipes.
"Eye makeup comes off so incredibly easy. I never feel like I’m scratching at my eyes, or tugging at my eyes to get clean," she explains. "Because it’s made with coconut oil, it leaves my skin so soft and nourished, I almost (almost!) don’t need to apply moisturizer after."
Meet the expert
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. We based our picks based on expert-recommended and editor-tested products.
Why trust Shop TODAY?
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Madison San Miguel is a writer at Shop TODAY who mainly covers beauty and style. She has over six years of experience in editorial and the beauty industry.
The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag
The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag