Popular cosmetics brand Neutrogena is recalling makeup wipes that may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause serious infections, including sepsis.

The ongoing recall of more than 1,000 cases of makeup towelettes was first initiated in September, according to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement report. The wipes tested positive for Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium that can cause infection in certain people.

While the FDA has categorized the risk of serious health effects as low, people with weakened immune systems or other medical conditions may develop severe illness from exposure to the bacterium.

Here's what to know about the recall.

Which Neutrogena products are recalled?

  • Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes, 50-count 25-pack wipes with lot number 1835U6325A.

The makeup wipes were distributed to Texas, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida on Sept. 19, 2025, according to the FDA. Consumers should generally avoid using and disposing of recalled products.

In a statement to USA TODAY, Neutrogena said it recalled the wipes "out of an abundance of caution."

"Despite meeting release specifications, one lot of the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes, 50 ct. may have been impacted by procedural deficiencies observed during manufacturing," it said. "No other Neutrogena products or other lots of the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes, 50 ct., are included in this recall."

Consumers who have questions are encouraged to visit the Neutrogena Customer Service website.

What is Pluralibacter gergoviae?

Pluralibacter gergoviae, or P. gergoviae, is a bacterium that can cause illness in people. It was previously known as Enterobacter gergoviae (E. gergoviae).

P. gergoviae is an opportunistic bacterium, meaning it doesn't always become pathogenic or cause disease, but it can in the right environment. This means a healthy person exposed to P. gergoviae is unlikely to become seriously ill. People who are immunocompromised or have chronic conditions, however, can develop serious infections from the bacterium, including respiratory diseases, urinary tract or eye infections and sepsis, according to the World Pediatric Society.

Outside of hospitals, P. gergoviae contamination is a concern in the cosmetics industry, as it is resistant to common preservatives used in hair, makeup, lotions, creams, skincare and numerous other products.

P. gergoviae cannot be killed or prevented by parabens, the antimicrobial agents used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms like fungi, viruses and parasites. This has led to the recall of products, such as children's shampoo, skin cream and hand-cleaning paste contaminated with P. gergoviae.

The bacteria is also multi-drug resistant and cannot be killed by several common medications, including penicillins.

This story has been updated with new information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Neutrogena recalls makeup wipes after they test positive for bacteria

Reporting by Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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