Neutrogena Wipes Recall After FDA Detects Dangerous Bacteria
Neutrogena just hit the recall button on its Ultra Soft Cleansing Towelettes after the FDA found a not-so-friendly bacteria hitching a ride. If you’re the type who treats your skincare shelf like a sacred lab bench, this is your cue to do a quick inventory check. The Contamination Situation: Bacteria vs. Your Face. Here is what you need to know about the Neutrogena Wipes Recall After FDA Detects Bacteria.
Neutrogena Wipes Recall
The culprit? Pluralibacter gergoviae—a bacterium that sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi petri dish but is very real and very unwelcome in your skincare routine. While it’s not a supervillain for most healthy folks, it can cause infections if you’ve got compromised skin or a weakened immune system. Think: cuts, scrapes, or using wipes near your eyes. Basically, it’s the microbial equivalent of an uninvited guest at your skincare party.
The recall affects 25-count packs of Neutrogena Ultra Soft Cleansing Towelettes sold across the U.S. and Canada between October 2024 and May 2025. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (Neutrogena’s parent company) initiated the recall voluntarily, which is corporate-speak for “we’re fixing this before it gets messy.”
What to Do
If you’ve got these wipes chilling in your bathroom drawer, here’s your action plan:
Step 1: Check the lot number. The lot number is located on the packaging, and then, you can cross-reference it with the official recall list on Neutrogena’s website or the FDA’s recall notice.
Step 2: Dispose responsibly. Toss them in the trash—don’t flush, compost, or try to DIY a bacteria cleanse.
Step 3: Contact them and request a refund or replacement. They have a hotline and online form ready for your skincare grievances.
Step 4: Have you used the wipes recently? If yes, here is what to do. Keep a close eye on your skin and anything that seems abnormal. Be on the lookout for irritation, redness, or anything funky. Not sure? Consult your dermatologist or healthcare provider. Better safe than sorry.
Retailers are already busy pulling the affected products off the shelves. Online listings are being updated faster than you can say “microbial contamination.”
Final Thoughts: Stay Curious, Stay Clean
This recall is a reminder that even the most trusted skincare brands can have a lab oops moment. If you’re a skincare enthusiast who treats ingredient lists like bedtime reading, this is your chance to flex that vigilance. Consider switching to micellar water, reusable cloths, or other cleansing options while Neutrogena figures this out.
Because of the FDA’s testing protocols, this issue was caught before it became a widespread problem. So stay informed, and remember: your face deserves better than bacteria.
