Stridex

Stridex (originally spelled Stri-Dex) is an American acne treatment and prevention medicine, originally a registered trademark of Bayer Corporation.^[1] It comes in the form of fibrous pads saturated with astringents.^[2] Most products in the Stridex line contain as the active ingredient salicylic acid (0.5–2.5%); Stridex Power Pads contain benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), a nonprescription acne treatment medication.^[3] However, they also warn about possible side effects: dryness of the skin, possible burning, and tingling. In 2013, the 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.^[4]

Stridex was first released in 1959 by Lehn & Fink and was the first acne treatment pad which did not require a prescription for purchase. It is part of the Smithsonian's permanent collection.^[5]^[6] In 1996, it was purchased by Blistex, Inc.^[6]^[7]

References

↑ US expired 5879693A, Wolfe, David M., "Individually packaged disposable single acne pad", published 1999-03-09, issued 1999-03-09, assigned to Circle Labs Inc
↑ US expired 6214362B1, Page, Darren L., "Cosmetic pad for removing low tension substances and applying cosmetics", published 2001-04-10, issued 2001-04-10, assigned to Individual
↑ Terrie, Yvette C. (12 May 2014). "Acne Vulgaris: The Most Common Dermatologic Disorder". Pharmacy Times. Vol. 80. Archived from the original on 19 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
↑ "FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) - Potential Signals of Serious Risks/New Safety Information Identified by the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) between July – September 2013". US Food & Drug Administration. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
↑ "Stridex Regular Strength Pads". National Museum of American History. Smithsonian Institution. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
1 2 "About Stridex". Stridex.cn. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
↑ "Blistex acquires Stri-Dex acne line, Dairy Ease brand from Bayer". Insights. 18 March 1996. Retrieved 27 June 2025.

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[1] US expired 5879693A, Wolfe, David M., "Individually packaged disposable single acne pad", published 1999-03-09, issued 1999-03-09, assigned to Circle Labs Inc

[2] US expired 6214362B1, Page, Darren L., "Cosmetic pad for removing low tension substances and applying cosmetics", published 2001-04-10, issued 2001-04-10, assigned to Individual

[3] Terrie, Yvette C. (12 May 2014). "Acne Vulgaris: The Most Common Dermatologic Disorder". Pharmacy Times. Vol. 80. Archived from the original on 19 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2025.

[4] "FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) - Potential Signals of Serious Risks/New Safety Information Identified by the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) between July – September 2013". US Food & Drug Administration. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2025.

[5] "Stridex Regular Strength Pads". National Museum of American History. Smithsonian Institution. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2025.

[Stridex.cn_about-6] 1 2 "About Stridex". Stridex.cn. Retrieved September 17, 2025.

[7] "Blistex acquires Stri-Dex acne line, Dairy Ease brand from Bayer". Insights. 18 March 1996. Retrieved 27 June 2025.

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