Please note that Neutrogena has recently issued a recall for certain varieties of their face wipes.:

Using single-use makeup remover wipes can simplify and expedite the removal of makeup. If you consider disposable wipes as part of your makeup removal routine, you might want to known the latest: the Food and Drug Administration designated Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra Soft Cleansing Towelettes as “Enforcement Discretion” (class II risk).

Read this article to know more about the recall, where to buy the product, and what to do if you have the recalled product.

Why were Neutrogena’s Makeup Remover Ultra Soft Cleansing Towelettes recalled?

These recalled wipes were rated as class II risk by the FDA, as well as the highest risk, and that was the basis for the voluntary removal of 1,312 cases of the product by Kenvue Brands, LLC, the company that manufactured the wipes. During their internal investigation, Kenvue noted the wipes were positive for Pluralibacter gergoviae, a microorganism that is resistant to common preservatives used in cosmetics.

Although developing an infection from Pluralibacter gergoviae is usually uncommon, it is still possible according to National Institute of Health published reports. Those that are particularly vulnerable are individuals with weakened immune systems. An exposure may cause respiratory distress, urinary tract infections, eye infection, and sepsis, among others as outlined in Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases.

In an effort to help you determine whether you possess impacted products, here is a reminder of the products in question:

Product: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes, 50-count, 25-pack

States sold in: Texas, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Kenvue still has not offered valuable guidance on what to do with a product that has been recalled. It seems reasonable that, in light of the recall, you would abandon any use of the product in question, and discard it.

Alternative *makeup wipes

For the suggested alternatives, I targeted brands that are frequently featured on NBC Select as well as the provided criteria of a 4-star product rating with hundreds of reviews, or more.

These wipes derive their so-called "unscented" character, in part, from their attractiveness for sensitive types of skin. As stated by the company, soothing ingredients such as aloe, chamomile, and green tea are included. There are 25 hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic wipes packaged together.

These wipes help in skin clean up and make up removal simultaneously. One side of the wipe has a textured surface for exfoliation, while the other side is satin in smoothness. The wipes are larger in surface area as compared to the majority of the facials wipes, thus providing more working space. The soothing ingredients, chamomile and aloe, are complemented by niacinamide and vitamin E.

Another option for people with sensitive skin, Aveeno’s wipes are made with calming oat milk, according to the brand. The wipes are plant-based and they are free of fragrances, sulfates, phthalates and other often-irritating additives.

These wipes are made for all skin types. In these wipes, coupled with the soothing rose water, are micellar water and oat milk. The micellar water aids in removing make up, dirt, and other grime build up. There are 30 premoistened wipes and the brand ensures there is no oily or greasy seams left.

CeraVe makes some of the best moisturizers for sensitive skin. Their makeup remover wipes are equally gentle. They contain glycerine and ceramides, which are hydrators, so skin remains moisturized as you clean. They are also free of fragrance and oils.