What is "stridex"

Stridex (originally spelled Stri-Dex) is an American acne treatment and prevention medicine, originally registered trademark of Bayer Corporation It comes in the form of fibrous pads saturated with astringents and contained in a plastic tub of fifty-five to ninety pads. Most products in the Stridex line contain as the active ingredient salicylic acid (0.5–2.5%); Stridex "Power Pads", however, contain instead benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), which is considered by medical professionals to be "the most effective and widely used nonprescription medication for both types of acne". However, they also warn about possible side effects: dryness of the skin, possible burning, and tingling. Patients are advised to apply treatment with caution around lips, nose and mouth, or cuts and scrapes, and also avoid excessive sun exposure. In 2013, FDA started to investigate a possible link between benzoyl peroxide- and/or salicylic acid-based acne prevention medicine with hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions without calling off any products or placing warnings.

Stridex were the first acne treatment pads to do so without requiring a prescription for purchase. It is owned by Blistex, Inc..