Kenvue recalls select Neutrogena makeup remover wipes over bacterial contamination risk
The company has confirmed that no other Neutrogena products are affected by this contamination.
USA – Kenvue, the parent company of Neutrogena, has initiated a voluntary recall of select Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes after internal testing detected the presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae.
This preservative-resistant bacterium can cause infections in vulnerable individuals.
The affected product lot is 1835U6325A, and the recall covers 1,312 cases of the 50-count, 25-pack wipes distributed in Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
The recall was first announced in September 2025 and was later escalated to a Class II recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating that exposure to the product could lead to temporary or medically reversible health effects, with a low likelihood of severe adverse outcomes.
The contamination was discovered during Kenvue’s internal quality control procedures, and the company stated that “procedural deficiencies” during manufacturing may have contributed to it, even though the lot initially met release specifications.
Pluralibacter gergoviae is recognized as an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it rarely causes illness in healthy individuals but poses a higher risk for those with weakened immune systems, chronic health conditions, or compromised skin barriers.
Potential health complications include respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, ocular infections, and, in rare cases, sepsis.
The FDA and Kenvue have advised consumers, especially those in vulnerable groups, to discontinue use of the affected wipes immediately and to consult a healthcare provider if they experience any symptoms.
Kenvue emphasized that customer safety is its top priority and that the recall was issued “out of an abundance of caution”.
The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about preservative resistance in cosmetic products and the importance of robust manufacturing protocols in the personal care industry.
In a similar move, Bondi Sands has announced a recall of all batches of its Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ Face and Body Lotions due to a significant product defect that could impact consumer safety and product effectiveness.
The affected batches include batch 98182 of the Mineral Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50+ Face Lotion 60ml and batch 98181 of the Mineral Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50+ Body Lotion 120ml, as well as three additional batches of the body lotion, with batch codes GC032084 (expiry July 2027) and 4843 (expiry November 2026).
The issue involves the lotion separating into layers, which causes the ingredients to no longer be properly mixed, potentially reducing the sunscreen’s SPF efficacy and leaving users inadequately protected from harmful UV rays.
Customers are urged not to use these products and to return them to their point of purchase for a refund or replacement, or to contact Bondi Sands for further guidance.
This widespread recall in Australia is a precaution in cooperation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure public safety and maintain product quality standards.
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