Daily Care Acne Pads With Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength — Reddit Reviews
by Stridex
Updated October 6, 2026
Studies support 2% salicylic acid for acne; Redditors report clearer pores, harsher dryness.
What the community says
A maximum-strength 2% salicylic-acid pad for clogged pores, whiteheads, and body bumps. Studies found 2% salicylic acid hydrogel can work about as well as adapalene for mild-to-moderate acne, while Redditors report clearer skin alongside peeling, burning, and barrier trouble.
What this means for you
Backed by 30 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/SkincareAddiction and 6 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- 2% salicylic acid in a no-rinse pad
- Redditors report fewer blackheads and sebaceous filaments
- Works beyond the face for KP, ingrowns, and body acne
Watch out for
- Can peel, burn, and over-dry skin
- Irritates sensitive or damaged barriers
- Some users report breakouts or no improvement
Product details
Use caution
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Acne
Some evidence
Salicylic Acid: 16 studies tested it directly. See all 34 studies
On Reddit: Post-shower chest swipes are a practical routine for recurring breakouts, with daily use clearing them within two weeks. 54 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found salicylic acid helped clear acne
- It often reduced pimples, blackheads and whiteheads
- It often worked about as well as other common acne treatments
- Used with other acne treatments, it sometimes cleared acne better than the other treatment alone
- Side effect results were uncertain when compared with benzoyl peroxide
Studied at 0.5–30%this product: 2%
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 160 mentions across 30 threads
Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads With Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength on Reddit, in one place — 30 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/SkincareAddiction and 6 more, summarized.
“Same, but with Stridex. I genetically have oily skin and this stuff still doesn’t dry me out.”
Positive
“Stridex still work for me whenever I need them. You’re supposed to rub a little on your acne spots only, not the entire face…”
Positive
“Stridex in the red tub is still bomb. The salicylic acid really helps to chemically exfoliate and even out rough skin texture.”
Positive
“Those Stridex pads are actually excellent though. It's just 2% salicylic acid.”
Positive
“Yes, I came here to defend red Stridex. Alcohol free, 2% salicylic acid, fairly affordable.”
Positive
“I use it on the backs of my arms and legs for kp and it works excellent.”
Positive
“I use stridex pads for this purpose too! Works great”
Positive
“I use stridex pads for this purpose too!”
Positive
“Works great”
Positive
“I use TO azelaic acid suspension with Stridex max for salicylic acid...”
Mentioned
“Can you use glycolic acid 7% with salicylic acid 2% if the salicylic acid is used as spot treatment?”
Mentioned
“You can use Azelaic one on day, salicylic acid on the other.”
Mentioned
“I use bha, stridex, along my jaw line and it's worked for dealing with hormonal acne”
Positive
“Ditto for sebaceous filaments along nose.”
Positive
“I started using wait times for it and it ended up being pretty harsh.”
Positive
“most in 'wipe' forms similar to what I understand Stridex is.”
Mentioned
“I live in Seoul and there's a been a HUGE surge suddenly of AHA/BHA products, most in 'wipe' forms similar to what I understand Stridex is.”
Mentioned
“Stridex”
Mentioned
Dupes & Alternatives
Compared with
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