Clearwater, FL — FDA: Neutrogena Makeup Wipes Recalled for Bacterial Contamination Risk

Clearwater, FL (October 23rd, 2025) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified a batch of Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes as Class II risk due to the presence of harmful bacteria that could cause severe infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune defenses.

If you or someone in your family has developed a health issue after using these wipes—including infections of the skin, eyes, or respiratory system—you may have grounds for legal action beyond simply disposing of the product. Those who have experienced medical complications from tainted personal care products may recover damages for healthcare costs, physical suffering, income loss, and additional harm stemming from their condition.

To explore your legal options if you’ve suffered harm from recalled Neutrogena makeup wipes, reach out to our Clearwater product liability attorneys at Light & Wyatt Law Group. Call 727-499-9900 for a free consultation.

Details of the Neutrogena Makeup Wipes Recall

The FDA’s recall involves Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes sold in a multipack configuration. Kenvue Brands, LLC, which manufacturers Neutrogena products, initiated a voluntary recall of over 1,300 cases after discovering through quality control testing that the wipes contained Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterial strain known for its ability to survive despite common preservative ingredients found in cosmetic products.

A Class II risk classification by the FDA carries serious implications—this is the agency’s second-most-severe category. Such a designation indicates the product poses a substantial threat of adverse health effects, though these consequences may be reversible with proper medical intervention. 

Identifying the Recalled Makeup Wipes

You can identify the recalled products by checking for the following information:

• Product: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes
• Lot Code: 1835U6325A
• Geographic Distribution: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas

Anyone who bought these cleansing wipes in Clearwater or elsewhere in Florida should inspect their product packaging immediately for this lot code. You’ll typically find this identifier printed directly on the outer packaging, and confirming whether you have the affected batch is essential for your safety.

Health Dangers Associated with Pluralibacter Gergoviae

Though not widely recognized by most consumers, Pluralibacter gergoviae represents a health threat, particularly for those whose immune systems aren’t functioning at full capacity. While widespread infection remains common, contact with this organism can trigger serious medical conditions requiring immediate professional care.

Medical Conditions Linked to Pluralibacter Gergoviae

Exposure to Pluralibacter gergoviae can lead to several serious health conditions. These may include:

Lung and Respiratory Problems

This bacterium may trigger breathing difficulties and pulmonary infections, especially concerning since makeup wipes are used near the nose and mouth.

Ocular Infections

Because these wipes are designed for facial use near the eyes, contamination poses risk for conjunctivitis, corneal infections, and other serious eye conditions.

Bladder and Kidney Infections

The pathogen can migrate to the urinary system, creating painful infections that may become complicated.

Blood Infections

In the most severe scenarios, particularly among those with compromised immunity, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream and cause potentially fatal sepsis.

Dermatological Infections

Direct skin contact with contaminated wipes may result in cellulitis, abscesses, or other tissue infections requiring aggressive treatment.

High-Risk Populations

While everyone who used the contaminated products faces potential exposure, certain groups face elevated danger of developing serious complications. Such groups include:

• People undergoing chemotherapy or taking medications that suppress immune function
• Senior citizens whose natural immune defenses have diminished
• Infants and toddlers with developing immune systems
• Individuals managing diabetes or other chronic conditions
• Post-surgical patients or those with healing wounds
• Expectant mothers, who may face unique complications

The product’s intended use on facial areas—in proximity to eyes, nasal passages, and oral mucosa—substantially elevates the risk that bacteria could enter the body through vulnerable membranes, making this contamination especially hazardous.

Immediate Actions for Consumers Who Own the Recalled Product

If you’ve confirmed that you own the affected makeup removing towelettes, stop using them right away. Don’t assume safety because you haven’t yet experienced symptoms. Infections sometimes manifest days or weeks following exposure, and some people may carry the bacteria without showing signs while potentially transmitting it to vulnerable household members.

Your Legal Options Following Contaminated Product Harm

If contaminated Neutrogena makeup wipes have caused you injury, your legal rights extend considerably beyond merely receiving a product refund. Florida’s product liability statutes enable injured consumers to pursue compensation from manufacturers, distributors, and sellers when unsafe or contaminated products inflict harm.

Available Categories of Compensation

Those harmed by tainted personal care products may potentially recover:

• Healthcare expenses: Covering emergency treatment, hospitalization, physician visits, medications, and continuing care
• Ongoing medical needs: For persistent conditions or complications requiring extended management
• Income loss: Reimbursement for employment time missed during sickness and recuperation
• Diminished earning capacity: If the infection creates lasting health issues affecting your capacity to work
• Physical or emotional suffering: For bodily discomfort, mental anguish, and reduced life quality caused by the infection
• Psychological harm: Compensation for anxiety, trauma, and emotional impact of serious illness

The specific compensation available in your case depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact the contamination has had on your life. Consulting with an experienced contaminated product lawyer can help you fully understand the value of your claim.

Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights

The Neutrogena makeup wipes recall raises troubling questions about quality assurance in the personal care industry. Consumers reasonably expect that products they apply to their faces daily will be safe and free from dangerous contamination. When manufacturers fail to uphold proper safety protocols, innocent consumers bear the consequences.

Our Clearwater product liability attorneys at Light & Wyatt Law Group possess extensive experience representing victims of defective and contaminated product injuries across Florida. We recognize the profound impact bacterial infections can have on your health, finances, and life quality, and we’re dedicated to holding negligent manufacturers responsible for the damage they inflict.To discuss your situation in a free consultation, contact our team today at 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association