Versus

Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid Versus Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad

Facial Treatment
Facial Treatment
American Brand United States
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on April 01, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Madecassoside Blemish Pad

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Buffering, Masking

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

When to use

80 Routines
28% use in am
73% use in pm
60% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
1,341 Routines
40% use in am
60% use in pm
80% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid 12 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Drying (2) Great Value (2) Irritating (1)
ThrowMeAway's avatar

ThrowMeAway

4 months ago
Review

This is something that is consistently in my routine. I've been using this for over 10 years. I can't believe this still actually works. This is FA safe and helps with flare ups, especially when used in combination with a sulfur mask.

I like using this in the AM on non retinoid days as a short contact treatment. I find that if I leave it on all day my face becomes super dry. I leave it on for Show more

#great value
#drying
#irritating
gigiskinbeaute's avatar

gigi

2 months ago
Review

This was the Ride or Die, the absolute GOAT of affordable 2% BHAs before its reformulation at the end of 2019. The reformulation made the product far more sudsy and less effective. Previously it applied like water and left no trace behind, sinking in deeply and de-clogging congested skin like a champ. Now it bubbles a little while applying, and dries to form a visible film over the surface of the Show more

#great value
#drying
#light
#works well

Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad 34 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 30 ratings
Works Well (13) Hydrating (11) Strong Scent (10)
AnnaSkin's avatar

AnnaSkin

1 year ago
Review

Was hydrating but made me broke out every time I tried to use it.

#broke me out
#sticky
#strong scent
miharom's avatar

miharom

1 year ago
Review

I just finished this as I’m writing this review. First, very hydrating and I love the smell. It’s nothing strong though. It’s full of essence and big the pads are big. Using it daily (only morning) lasted me for about 2-3 months which is great. In terms of skin, I feel like it does clear up some blemishes but takes time. You have to use it everyday but don’t expect a miracle overnight.I use it as Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well