Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer Recall Over Harmful Bacteria in Lotion

Selected bottles of one of Jergens' moisturizers are being removed from the market by its manufacturing company, which identified the threat of a possible bacteria within the product.

According to Kao USA Inc., the presence of the bacteria Pluralibacter gergovia was discovered in some lots of its 3- and 10-ounce Ultra Healing moisturizer.

The risk this bacteria poses is "little" for healthy people according to the FDA, but could be a significant threat to those with a compromised immune system or pre-existing medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to the risk of infection.

According to the FDA, investigations are ongoing to determine the risk posed by the bacteria in the products. Meanwhile, Kao is recalling all bottles of these two sizes manufactured between October 1 and October 18 last year.

The product is being removed from both warehouses and store shelves.

The company has urged customers to check that their bottles of Ultra Healing moisturizer aren't part of the lots at risk.

The identifying codes to look out for, to be found in the back of the bottle, are:

ZU712851, ZU712871, ZU712911, ZU722881, ZU712861, ZU712881 and ZU722851 (for the 3-ounce size);

ZU722741, ZU722781, ZU732791, ZU732811, ZU722771, ZU732781, ZU732801 and ZU732821 (for the 10-ounce size).

KAO is also asking customers to avoid using the product if already purchased, out of precaution, and to call their customer service for a free product to replace the recalled goods.

The company is to stay in touch with the FDA and regulatory authorities, and said it's working on improving cleaning and sanitization practices to prevent "similar issues" in the future.

Pluralibacter gergovia is part of a novel species of bacteria first discovered in the 1980s. It can normally be found just about anywhere, in soil, sewage, feces samples from humans and animals, plants, water, insects and even dairy products.

The bacterium is a significant problem for the cosmetics industry, as it's known to be resistant to parabens and antibiotics.

Even if a cosmetic product is for external use only, the bacteria could enter the body through an open wound and cause an infection that could be life-threatening for immunocompromised people.

In 2020, the case of Cottonelle recalling a selection of Cottonelle Flushable and GentlePlus Wipes from the market made headlines, as the manufacturer Kimberly-Clark identified the presence of Pluralibacter gergovia in some of its products.

At the time, the company had reported complaints from customers who had developed symptoms such as skin irritation and minor infections.

Since 2008, the bacterium has been identified in creams, exfoliating gels, eyeliners, shampoos, shower gels and conditioners, with 62 products being recalled between 2008 and 2014.

Newsweek has reached out to Jergens for comment.