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Anua vs MAC

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Anua and MAC are distinct beauty labels offering specialized formulations for varied complexions. The Korean line from 2019 features moisturizers, toners, serums, and cleansers built around hyaluronic acid, heartleaf, and niacinamide, suiting oily acne-prone and combination skin best. Conversely, the Canadian brand established in 1984 provides reliable daily moisturizers and makeup removers crafted for balanced skin. While both curate targeted products for acne, dark spots, and mature concerns, the former relies on intensive botanical actives, whereas the latter emphasizes gentle, balanced maintenance.

Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..

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MAC is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 1984 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994.

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This page compares some of the most popular Anua and MAC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Anua vs MAC products

People Say

AnuaMAC
  • Hydration and Skin Glow Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
    • “glass-like glow — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
    • “lit-from-within look — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • No White Cast and Makeup Base Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “zero white cast — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
  • Non-stripping and Gentle Finish Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “didn't sensitize my skin — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
    • “No stinging on sensitive skin — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
    • “Leaves skin feeling soft and supple, never tight. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Lightweight Hydration and Glow Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Emulsifies beautifully and rinses off without a greasy film. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Doesn't sting my eyes or blur my vision. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Oil Control and Skin Smoothing Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “petal-soft skin — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “reduces excess oil — Anua Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam”
  • Makeup Removal and Compatibility Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Removes waterproof mascara completely without needing a separate remover. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Melted my waterproof mascara — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
  • Pricing and Volume Value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “price feels way too high — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
    • “small size, the price is expensive — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
    • “bottle too small — Anua NANO RETINOL™ 0.3% + NIACIN RENEWING SERUM”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Severe Breakouts and Clogging Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Breaks me out, I got pimples from this. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
  • Eye and Fragrance Irritation Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Made my vision blurry for an hour — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
    • “Smell is too strong — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
    • “Too drying for my dry skin — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”

Questions and answers

Anua or MAC: which is better?

Anua offers a larger selection of products on this page with fragrance-free formulas, whereas MAC includes fragrance in its items. Anua also stands out for its brightening serums and soothing toners.

What is the difference between Anua and MAC?

Anua focuses on soothing and brightening ingredients like heartleaf and niacinamide with fragrance-free formulas, while MAC emphasizes makeup bases and lightweight hydration with scented products. Reviewers note that Anua offers better pricing and volume value, whereas MAC excels in oil control and skin smoothing.

Which is more affordable, Anua or MAC?

Anua offers better pricing and volume value than MAC on the products on this page. Reviewers frequently note MAC for its high price point.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Anua or MAC?

Anua causes fewer breakouts than MAC, as reviewers on this page frequently note severe breakouts and clogging with MAC while Anua focuses on gentle formulations without fragrance.

Do Anua and MAC products contain fragrance?

Every product on the Anua page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas all products on the MAC page contain fragrance. Reviewers note that MAC products often have strong fragrance and sensitivity.

Which brand has more products specifically formulated for dry skin?

Anua has more products on this page specifically formulated for dry skin, with over twenty items including its hydrating toners and intense calming creams. MAC features only three products on this page, offering lightweight moisturizers and cleansers that help with dry skin.

Where and when were Anua and MAC founded?

Anua was founded in South Korea in 2019, while MAC was founded in Canada in 1984.

Research behind their key ingredients

Behind this comparison

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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