Neutrogena—a trusted cosmetic company since 1930—has issued a major recall on its makeup wipes. If you’re like me (Gen X and proud of it), Neutrogena has been in your life since your mom (and maybe grandma) used it in the 1970s or 1980s.
But before you whip out the makeup remover wipes to start your skincare routine tonight, beware: Neutrogena has issued a voluntary recall of its Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes. The US Food and Drug Administration FDA) has found that some wipes tested positive for a bacterium known as Pluralibacter gergoviae.
The wipes were sold in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Texas.
This bacterium could cause urinary tract infections, eye infections, sepsis, respiratory diseases, and more. It is particularly dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems but could also endanger healthy people. The FDA has classified the bacterium as a mid-level threat and issued a Class II recall.
A Class II recall is used when the product could cause “temporarily or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” and “the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
One reason why this bacteria can cause problems is that it’s resistant to many common preservatives. Therefore, water-based products (these towelettes list water as their first ingredient) are particularly vulnerable.
Do I have the recalled Neutrogena wipes?
The specific affected lot of the product is: 1835U6325A, consisting of two packages of 25-count products.
If you already purchased this product, you should stop using it and dispose of the package in the trash immediately. You can visit the Neutrogena customer service website for more details.
As of this writing, Neutrogena has indicated that none of its other products is affected by this bacterium or included in the recall.
Should I be concerned if I’ve used the affected wipes?
You should be wary, but not panicked. If you have a weakened immune system, consult your doctor. If you have a healthy immune system, you’re unlikely to experience serious illness.
Here’s what to do if you’re concerned:
- Stop using the wipes right away.
- Monitor for symptoms. Pay attention to any signs of infection, such as respiratory problems, eye irritation, or urinary tract issues.
- Consult a doctor if you experience symptoms. This is especially important if you have a compromised immune system, a chronic illness, or are undergoing a surgical procedure. Be sure to let them know that you could’ve been exposed to Pluralibacter gergoviae bacterium.
- Dispose of the product.
- Check for the specific lot number. Remember, only wipes in certain states and with a specific lot number were affected.
- Consider alternatives. Replace the recalled wipes with a safer alternative to avoid any potential risks.
What’s the timeline in which symptoms could appear?
Because an infection from Pluralibacter gergoviae is rare in healthy individuals, there is no official incubation period. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the severity and type of infection. Symptoms could appear over a longer period of time for an immune-compromised person than they would experience for other types of infections.
The timeline depends on a variety of factors:
- The bacterium’s entry point. Infection can occur via the eyes, mouth, or through broken or compromised skin.
- The person's immune system. A strong immune system can fight off the bacteria without developing an illness. A person with a compromised immune system is more vulnerable to developing a serious infection.
- The amount of bacteria. A higher exposure to the bacterium may cause symptoms to develop faster and be more severe.
| Type of infection | Timeframe for infection |
|---|---|
| Skin infection | For a localized infection, mild skin irritation or a rash may appear within days after exposure. |
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | Symptoms such as fever, chills, and painful urination could develop over several days. |
| Respiratory infection | Respiratory illness could manifest with fever, chills, coughing, and breathing difficulty over a period of days. |
| Sepsis | In the most severe cases, sepsis can be life-threatening and would generally lead to a more rapid onset of severe symptoms. |
Symptoms of a Pluralibacter gergoviae respiratory infection
- Fever or chills
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue and weakness
A more severe infection could include persistent fever, nausea, or sepsis.
Again, this is not as risky for people with healthy immune systems. If you’re a healthy individual, your risk is low. However, if you already purchased one of the recalled packs, it would be wise to discard the product.
If you’ve suffered illness from using the recalled Neutrogena towelettes, you should contact your physician right away. If you believe you’re entitled to legal compensation, you can contact a personal injury attorney in your state for more information.
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