Daily Care Acne Pads With Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength — Reddit Reviews
by Stridex
Updated November 10, 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
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
Concerns
Use caution
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
What TikTok says
From 7 TikTok videos3 sponsored, marked with outlined numbers
Creators say the 2% salicylic acid pads help unclog pores and breakouts 12, and sponsored creators say they help breakouts that feel stubborn 34. One dry-skin creator says they are strong for people new to BHAs and need building up to 5, while another advises starting slowly 2. Creators say the alcohol-free pads suit sensitive skin, per sponsored and unsponsored creators 67. Sponsored creators say the pads do not irritate dry skin 4.
Sponsored means the creator disclosed a brand partnership or the video ran as a paid ad.
Videos open on TikTok in a new tab.
How to use it
From Reddit routinesHow Reddit uses it
Where to buy
What the science says
Salicylic acid has some evidence for helping acne, with most of its 34 studies finding it cleared acne 1. It often reduced pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, and it often worked about as well as other common acne treatments 1. How its side effects compare with benzoyl peroxide is uncertain, since the studies did not give clear results 1.
- Salicylic Acid for acne Some evidence · 34 studies
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
How we grade researchFull ingredient list · 12
Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads With Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength ingredients
Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Xylenesulfonate, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Menthol, Phenoxyethanol, Purified Water, Simethicone, Sodium Borate, Tetrasodium EDTA
Listed in label order, highest concentration first. Linked ingredients have their own page.
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/curlyhair, r/30PlusSkinCare and 7 more, summarized.
“Stridex red box if I'm having breakouts.”
Mentioned
“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
Dupes & Alternatives
Compared with
Reddit's best acne spot treatments by concern or skin type
- Best Acne Spot Treatments for Acne
- Best Acne Spot Treatments for Redness / Irritation
- Best Acne Spot Treatments for Texture / Pores
- Best Acne Spot Treatments for Hormonal Acne
- Best Acne Spot Treatments for Sensitive Skin
- Best Acne Spot Treatments for Oily Skin
- Best Acne Spot Treatments for Closed Comedones
- Best Acne Spot Treatments for Combination Skin