How to clean my NIKOR 18-55mm lens?

I just got my Nikon D3100 a few days ago, and when I took the lens out of the box I noticed some smudges (I guess?) Around the lens in the black area. I don't want to return it, what can I use to clean it that's safe? Here's a picture of what it looks like if that helps any.

I tried wiping it off with a soft towel, but I was afraid to use any water because I didn't know if that would hurt it.

If you want to use a liquid to clean it, I would recommend pharmacy rubbing alcohol. Put some of it in on the surface to clean, and then use your soft cloth to wipe it.

However the smudges are not on the lens, so they can be ignored.

The little smudges in the black area will have NO effect on the quality of the images you get with the lens.

I would return the lens for a new one. It looks like it was previously owned.

I can see four fingerprints on the glass at least. I use a microfiber cloth on that, alcohol can help for really stubborn ones. What worries me is the muck on the black around the glass, that sure points toward a used lens or very bad storage conditions