Overview
Stridex is one of the leading acne formulas found in retail stores. Along with Clearasil and Oxy, Stridex continues to be one of the most successful acne products on the market. This formula is unique because, rather than a cream or lotion, Stridex features wiping pads that are soaked in a Salicylic Acid solution. One side of the pads is rough (for exfoliation of dead skin cells) while the other side is smooth (to deliver Salicylic Acid into the pores). Based on this unique approach, we decided to see if Stridex could be considered a full spectrum acne treatment formula.

Featured Ingredients
It is encouraging that most of the Stridex products feature Salicylic Acid as their active ingredient. (One product does contain Benzoyl Peroxide, which we consider to be an inferior acne treating compound.) Salicylic Acid is one of the best acne fighting ingredients available, since it helps to remove dead skin, oil and other clogging material from pores. It also helps encourage the rise of young healthy skin cells to the surface of skin, stimulating a vitalizing renewal effect. Studies show that the maximum effect will be seen with Salicylic Acid included at a 2.0% concentration. While a few Stridex products contain 2.0% Salicylic Acid, not all of them do, meaning that consumers will have to check the label first. 

While the delivery of Salicylic Acid through the use of pads is interesting, we’re not sure if this is the most effective form of delivery. A wiping motion may only deliver a small amount of the active ingredient to skin. A better choice seems to be a lotion or cream that employs QuSomes, a new delivery technology that allows for penetration of Salicylic Acid and other acne fighting ingredients deep into the inner layers of skin for maximum effectiveness. Plus, as impressive as Salicylic Acid is, there is more to treating acne than just this ingredient. Unfortunately, Stridex does not contain Silicol Dioxide for oil control or Inflacin for the calming effect that is required to keep irritation in check.

Web Site at a Glance
The Stridex web site is simple and straight forward. Information on the product, and where to purchase it, is easy to find. Each product is explained clearly, and other features like customer testimonials are added for additional support. In addition, a dermatologist by the name of Dr. Z (Dr. Charles Zugerman) acts as the medical consultant to Stridex and provides some helpful acne tips. 

Pros
- Contains Salicylic Acid, one of the best anti-acne ingredients available

Cons
- Does not contain Silicol Dioxide or Inflacin for added acne fighting support

- Wiping pads may not deliver as deeply as QuSomes or other creams

- No free trial offered

Summary
Because Stridex contains Salicylic Acid, we are fairly confident that this product will help clear most forms of acne. However, because the products contain different concentrations, some Stridex products may not work as well as others. Plus, because Stridex does not contain Silicol Dioxide, Inflacin or other known acne fighters, its effects may only be limited. A three-step system may be preferable.