Sterex

What Sterex does

Sterex is a privately held British company founded in 1982 and headquartered in Tyseley, Birmingham, that manufactures and supplies electrolysis and diathermy equipment, needles, and related consumables for the professional aesthetics market. Its core products are professional epilator machines — the SX-B Blend (£1,825) supporting galvanic, diathermy (thermolysis), and blend modalities, and the SX-T (£1,100) for thermolysis — alongside a consumable line of stainless steel, insulated, and gold two-piece and one-piece needles (priced £9.75-£50.60), microprobes, and an aftercare/pre-treatment range. The company monetizes through a multi-stream model combining one-time hardware sales, high-frequency consumable needle sales, aftercare product sales, and recurring training revenue through Sterex Academy, which offers Habia-endorsed and VTCT-accredited courses (e.g., Level 4 Skin Blemish Removal at £1,225 for a two-day program).

Sterex serves a fragmented professional end market of electrologists, beauty therapists, medical aesthetic nurses, dentists, podiatrists, and individual end consumers seeking permanent hair removal and treatment of over 20 skin blemishes including telangiectasia, skin tags, milia, warts, and verrucae. Distribution is hybrid: direct via the company's e-commerce storefront for professionals and consumers, combined with a network of 25+ named distributors across 30+ countries covering Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, Jordan, South Africa, and Russia. Marketing relies on content (blog, newsletters), exhibitions, and specialist webinars, with promotional materials (consultation cards, leaflets, charts) sold to practitioners for client-facing use. The company operates from an ISO 13485-certified facility, has trained over 600 qualified professionals through its training department, and maintains no disclosed external funding, operating as an independent founder/owner-managed business with a wholly-owned training subsidiary.

Name

Sterex

Legal name

Sterex Inc

Website

https://sterex.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sterex is a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of professional electrolysis and diathermy equipment, needles, and consumables, serving electrologists, beauty therapists, medical aestheticians, dentists, and podiatrists in 30+ countries via direct e-commerce and a distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Electrolysis Equipment

NAICS

Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510)

SIC

Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845)

akta.pro primary industry

Waxing & Depilatory Professional Products (CRABALAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Esthetics & Skincare Training Programs (HSALANAB), Hair Removal Training (Waxing/Sugaring/Laser) (HSALANAF)

Keywords

• Electrolysis equipment
• Diathermy machines
• Permanent hair removal
• Skin blemish removal
• Professional aesthetics training

Headquarters

HQ city

Tyseley

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Electrolysis Equipment Sales: Sale of professional electrolysis epilators (SX-B Blend at £1,825, SX-T at £1,100) and accessories to electrologists, beauticians, and medical professionals through direct sales and distributor network.
2. Electrolysis Needles and Consumables: Sales of needles (stainless steel, insulated, gold variants ranging £9.75-£50.60), microprobes (£20.25), and other consumables used in electrolysis treatments.
3. Aftercare Products: Sale of aftercare products including Aloe Vera Gel (£12.40-£48.30), Witch Hazel Soothing Gel (£12.40-£27.95), and Après Care (£12.40-£27.95).
4. Professional Training Courses: VTCT Level 4 Award in Skin Blemish Removal course priced at £1,225 for 2 days. Also offers Advanced Electrolysis and Advanced Cosmetic Procedures (ACP) training courses endorsed by Habia.
5. Educational Materials and Books: Sale of training books such as Skin Blemish Removal with Diathermy Book (£167.65) and promotional materials for salons and clinics.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Sterex manufactures and supplies professional electrolysis epilators and diathermy/galvanic machines alongside sterile disposable needles (stainless steel, insulated, gold, one- and two-piece variants) for permanent hair removal and advanced electrolysis/skin blemish treatments. The company also produces a complete aftercare range (aloe vera gel, witch hazel gel, après care cream, skin cleansers and calamine powder) and runs accredited training courses in skin blemish removal and advanced electrolysis for electrologists, beauty therapists, nurses, dentists, and podiatrists.

Product overview

Sterex is a comprehensive electrolysis and diathermy equipment and consumables brand. The product portfolio centres on professional electrolysis epilators (SX-B Blend and SX-T models), supported by a complete range of surgical-grade needles (stainless steel, insulated, and gold variants in one-piece and two-piece configurations), microprobes, and student kit bags. The company provides a full aftercare and pre-treatment product line including Aloe Vera Gel, Witch Hazel Soothing Gel, Après Care, Steritane Skin Cleanser, and Stericleanse Anti-bacterial Hand Cleaner. Educational and promotional materials include training books, consultation pads, treatment plan records, client leaflets, and anatomical charts. Sterex also offers Habia-endorsed professional training courses including VTCT Level 4 Skin Blemish Removal and Advanced Cosmetic Procedures (ACP) qualifications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sterex Academy: Training division of Sterex offering professional courses in electrolysis, advanced cosmetic procedures, and skin blemish removal. Courses are VTCT accredited and Habia endorsed.

Products and services

• Sterex Epilator SX-B Blend Professional three-modality electrolysis epilator combining Blend, Shortwave Diathermy (thermolysis) and Galvanic current modes; sold to qualified electrologists, beauty therapists, nurses, dentists and podiatrists for permanent hair removal and advanced blemish treatments.
• Sterex Epilator SX-T Professional Shortwave Diathermy (thermolysis) epilator for practitioners specialising in thermolysis-based permanent hair removal and skin blemish work.
• Sterex 4000B Professional Electrolysis Unit Multi-mode professional electrolysis generator for clinics performing permanent hair removal and advanced skin blemish removal.
• Microlase Unit Compact Microlase electrolysis/laser adjunct unit for clinical professionals performing minor skin blemish removal in settings such as dental and podiatry practices.
• Stainless Steel Two-Piece Sterex Needles Pre-sterilised disposable two-piece stainless steel epilation needles for use with Sterex epilators in permanent hair removal.
• Insulated Two-Piece Sterex Needles Pre-sterilised disposable insulated two-piece epilation needles designed for galvanic and blend current delivery, reducing skin surface current and improving comfort.
• Gold Two-Piece Sterex Needles Pre-sterilised disposable gold two-piece epilation needles for clients with metal sensitivities and high-end clinical use.
• Stainless Steel One-Piece Sterex Needles Pre-sterilised single-piece stainless steel epilation needles for use in Sterex epilators.
• Microprobe Size 3 Sterile fine-gauge microprobe needle for advanced precision work in skin blemish removal and detailed electrolysis applications.
• Sterex Student Kit Bags Starter kit bundles of Sterex epilation needles and consumables purchased by trainees attending Sterex training courses.
• Sterex Aloe Vera Gel Aftercare gel sold to professional clinics and consumers for use after electrolysis hair removal and skin blemish treatments.
• Sterex Witch Hazel Soothing Gel Soothing witch hazel gel for post-treatment skin recovery after electrolysis or advanced blemish removal.
• Sterex Après Care Cream Après treatment cream marketed for post-electrolysis skin recovery and soothing.
• Sterex Steritane Skin Cleanser Pre-treatment skin cleanser used by practitioners to prepare the skin before electrolysis or blemish removal.
• Sterex Stericleanse Hand Cleaner Hand hygiene cleanser for practitioners performing electrolysis treatments.
• Sterex Calamine Powder Calamine-based post-treatment powder sold as part of the Sterex aftercare range.
• VTCT Level 4 Skin Blemish Removal Course VTCT-accredited Level 4 training course covering removal of telangiectasia, milia, spider naevi, skin tags, seborrhoeic warts and xanthelasma; aimed at electrologists, beauty therapists, nurses, dentists and podiatrists.
• Advanced Electrolysis Course (ACP / Habia Endorsed) Hands-on training in advanced electrolysis techniques; Habia endorsed, targeting qualified practitioners seeking continuing professional development.
• ACP Electrology Course ACP electrology training course for practitioners entering the electrolysis profession, delivered by the Sterex Training Academy.
• Transgender Clients Professional Webinar Live webinar for electrologists covering electrolysis treatment planning and client considerations for transgender clients, delivered by Sterex.
• Sterex Skin Blemish Removal Book Printed training and reference book on advanced electrolysis skin blemish removal techniques for students and qualified practitioners.
• Sterex Consultation Pads Branded consultation record pads distributed to clinics for documenting client consultations and treatments.
• Sterex Hair Removal Leaflets Patient-facing leaflets used by clinics to explain electrolysis permanent hair removal to prospective clients.
• Sterex Skin & Hair Chart Wall/reference chart for clinics showing skin and hair anatomy relevant to electrolysis practice.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60-80% improvement in thread vein appearance following advanced diathermy treatment
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• Numex HealthcaremajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Dubai and UAE region. Located at Office 405, The Icon Tower, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, UAE.
• Beauty TechmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for France. Located at 2 Rue De La Briqueterie, Louvres, France 95380.
• TenudermmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Germany. Located at Dorfstr. 17, Würselen, Germany 52146.
• Passion Beauty SuppliesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Ireland. Located at Unit 39C Fashion City, Ballymount, Dublin D24K1HC.
• Salon SaversmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Ireland. Located at Unit 50 Canal Walk, Parkwest, Dublin 12, D12 X7X4.
• Hennessey Hair & BeautymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Ireland. Located at Unit 28 Doughcloyne Court Industrial Estate, Sarsfield Road, Wilton, Cork, T12 PW82.
• Aesthetic Systems USA INCmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for USA. Located at 1149 Pomona Road, Suite Corona, California, USA CA 92882. Wholesale distribution for professional electrologists, aestheticians and salon owners.
• Texas Electrolysis SupplymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Texas, USA. Located at 16627 Sea Lark Rd, Larkhouston, Houston, TX 77062.
• Instantronics International LLCmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for North Carolina, USA. Located in North Carolina.
• John Wurzel & ComajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Australia. Located at 1368 North Road, Oakleigh, Australia, South Victoria 3167. Importers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers of beauty supplies.
• Livingstone International PTY LTDmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Australia. Located at Suite 1, level 9, 189 O'riordan Street, Mascot, NSW 2020. Australian-owned business established in 1984, one of Australia's largest marketers, importers, exporters and distributors of medical, surgical, dental, beauty supplies.
• House of CamillemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for New Zealand. Located at 1/240 Bush Rd, Albany, Auckland 0632240. Has supplied New Zealand's beauty professionals with beauty products since 1984.
• Esthétique Et Electrolyse CanadamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Canada. Located at 5840 Boul Des Laurentides, Laval, Quebec, Canada H7H 1N1. Specializes in import, manufacture and distribution of products for beauty professionals.
• International Beauty DepotmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Canada. Located at 112 Nelson Street, Unit 104 & 105, Ottawa, ON K1N 7R5. Over 30 years in business, research and distribution of innovative products for salons and spas.
• Gilda Cosmetic ABmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Sweden. Located at Mölndalsvägen 38, SE-412 63 Göteborg. With over 40 years of experience in the beauty industry.
• Epil Store LimitedmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Russia. Located at 10 линия ВО 17/2, St Petersburg, Russia.
• Bowie Medical BVmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Netherlands. Located at Parallelweg 7d, The Netherlands 5349 Ad Oss. Supplies products and treatment systems to cosmetic doctors, clinics, skin therapists, beauticians, spas, wellness centres.
• NorivamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Malta. Located at Mallia Haus, Triq il-Htajriet, Malta MST 3068. Has been distributing Hair and Beauty products to the trade for nearly 50 years.
• Impophar Trading House LTDmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Cyprus. Located at Pagratiou 4 Industrial Zone 2033, Strovolos, Cyprus.
• Jovilux NVmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Belgium. Located at Leupegemstraat 32, Belgium 9700 Oudenaarde. Second generation family business following cosmetic-aesthetic market developments for 30 years.
• Pascaud Care BVmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Belgium. Located at Koning Albertlaan 35, 3680 Maaseik. Established by Mardge Pascaud in 1989, working on anti-ageing concept for natural skin rejuvenation.
• Mepix HandlesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Austria. Located at Liechtensteinstraße 98, Vienna, Austria 1090. Founded in 2005, providing high quality wellness and cosmetic equipment at fair prices.
• Med EquipmentmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Switzerland. Located at Rue Pré Bouvier 3, Meyrin, Geneva, Switzerland CH 1217. Serving beauty professionals and aesthetician since 1982.
• Asia for Medical EquipmentmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for Jordan and West Bank, Iraq and other markets. Located at 3rd Circle, Tela'a Al Ali, Dar As-Salehin St., beside Mecca Mall, Amman 11185, Jordan. Importers and distributors of medical equipment since 1988.
• DBX-DISTRIBEAUTXmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for South Africa. Located at 517 Keurboom Place, Brenton-on-Sea, Western Cape, Knysna, 6571. The sole African stockist and distributor of Sterex equipment, accessories and products for electrolysis.
• DermopromajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial distributor for France. Located at 62 Rue de Paris, 59200 Tourcoing.
• HabiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStandard Setting Body for Hair, Beauty, Nails, Spa and Aesthetics. Habia has endorsed both the Sterex Advanced Electrolysis and Advanced Cosmetic Procedures industry certificates, providing assurance of high quality educational training and added credibility to the brand.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• R.A. Fischer Company: US-based manufacturer of electrolysis and electrolysis-related medical equipment. Competes with Sterex for the professional electrologist segment in North America.
• Dectro International (Apilus): Canadian manufacturer of professional electrolysis equipment under the Apilus brand. Direct head-to-head competitor to Sterex with comparable epilator products and a similar practitioner-focused distribution model.
• Silhouet-Tone: Manufacturer of professional electrolysis and aesthetic equipment serving electrologists, spas, and clinics globally. Competes with Sterex in the same professional epilator and accessories category.

Broad incumbents

• Cutera: Global aesthetics device company offering laser hair removal and skin platforms. Competes indirectly with Sterex for clinic capex spend and consumer hair-removal mindshare.
• Cynosure (Hologic): Large medical aesthetics incumbent with broad laser hair removal and skin treatment portfolios. Competes with Sterex for the same aesthetic clinic budget, even though Sterex's electrolysis targets cases laser cannot address.
• Alma Lasers: Multi-national aesthetics platform with strong laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and blemish treatment offerings. Competes with Sterex across both the equipment and blemish-removal use cases Sterex targets with ACP.
• Lumenis: Global energy-based aesthetics incumbent with strong presence in laser hair removal and skin treatments. Indirect competitor to Sterex for clinic capex and consumer demand.
• BTL Aesthetics: Medical aesthetics device manufacturer with broad body and skin treatment portfolios. Competes for clinic spend and aesthetics practitioner attention alongside Sterex's professional offerings.
• Candela (Syneron Candela): Global medical aesthetics company with deep presence in laser hair removal and skin treatments. Indirect competitor that increasingly overlaps with Sterex's blemish-removal use cases.

Others

• VTCT: UK vocational awarding organization that accredits Sterex's Level 4 Skin Blemish Removal training course. Strategic ecosystem partner rather than competitor, but defines the certification framework Sterex relies on.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sterex_
• Facebookfacebook.com/SterexElectrolysis

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sterex