# Biore vs MAC

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/biore-vs-mac

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Biore and MAC are two distinct beauty lines offering thoughtful daily essentials rooted in decades of formulation expertise. The Japanese brand is known for sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers featuring gentle and clarifying ingredients, while the Canadian brand focuses on reliable moisturizers and makeup removers crafted from carefully balanced formulas. The former suits sensitive skin and oily skin best, whereas the latter is ideal for balanced skin. Ultimately, they differ in their primary focus, with the first providing targeted options like UV Aqua Rich and Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser, and the second offering steady foundations like Mineralize Timecheck Lotion and Hyper Real Serumizer.

Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.

[biore.com](https://www.biore.com/en-sa/about-us/our-story/) [kao.com](https://www.kao.com/global/en/newsroom/news/release/2024/20240214-001/)

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

[elcompanies.com](https://www.elcompanies.com/en-gb/our-brands/mac) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Est%C3%A9e_Lauder_Companies)

This page compares some of the most popular Biore and MAC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg32bd00a9f7).

### Popular Biore vs MAC products

#### MAC

- [Hyper Real Serumizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mac/hyper-real-serumizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — [AED 182.48 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B0BV14LWTN?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Mineralize Timecheck Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mac/mineralize-timecheck-lotion/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mac/hyper-real-fresh-canvas-cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit

#### Biore

- [UV Aqua Rich](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/biore/uv-aqua-rich/for/combination-skin) — High fit
- [Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/biore/deep-pore-charcoal-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Average fit
- [Deep Cleansing Pore Strips](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/biore/deep-cleansing-pore-strips/for/oily-skin) — Average fit
- [Makeup Remover Perfect Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/biore/makeup-remover-perfect-oil/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [AED 95.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B000FQMZSE?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## People Say

Biore

MAC

- Texture and Finish Often Mentioned Mostly Mentioned “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer” “lit-from-within look — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer” “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion” “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- Makeup Base and Primer Sometimes Noted Mostly Mentioned “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer” “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion” “primer-like — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- Makeup Removal Sometimes Noted Often Mentioned “Removes waterproof mascara completely without needing a separate remover. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil” “Removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- Deep Cleaning and Debris Removal Mostly Mentioned Not noted “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips” “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- Clean Rinse and Non-Stripping Sometimes Noted Often Mentioned “No greasy film, leaves skin fresh, rinses easily. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil” “Leaves skin soft, doesn't dry out face. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil” “Leaves skin feeling soft and supple, never tight. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
- Ease of Use and Application Often Mentioned Not noted “Minimal effort required — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips” “Satisfying to see results — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips” “Works in shower, effective on wet hands/face. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- High Price Point Not noted Mostly Mentioned “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
- Skin Breakouts and Irritation Often Mentioned Often Mentioned “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer” “Felt sticky to me — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion” “Breaks me out, I got pimples from this. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil” “Nose was irritated — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- Scents and Fragrance Sensitivity Often Mentioned Often Mentioned “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich” “strong citrus smell — Biore UV Aqua Rich” “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer” “Has a scent that might irritate very sensitive noses. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
- Eye Irritation Often Mentioned Rarely Noted “Stings if it accidentally gets into the eyes. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil” “stings eyes — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- Drying and Stripping Effect Often Mentioned Not noted “Made my skin peel — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”

## Questions and answers

### Biore or MAC: which is better?

Biore and MAC each serve different needs, with Biore offering fragrance-free formulas that shoppers find easy to use for deep cleaning, while MAC excels in makeup bases and primers with a high price point. Reviewers mention that MAC products feature strong fragrances and sensitivity, whereas Biore products on this page list no fragrance.

### What is the difference between Biore and MAC?

Biore offers affordable products on this page that list no fragrance and focus well on sensitive, oily, and combination skin, whereas MAC features lightweight moisturizers and makeup bases that often include fragrance and a higher price point.

### Which is more affordable, Biore or MAC?

Biore is more affordable, as MAC has a high price point. Lovi rates Biore well for oily, sensitive, and combination skin, while MAC products on this page often feature added fragrance.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Biore or MAC?

Biore does better for skin breakouts and irritation compared to MAC, according to reviewer feedback on this page. Lovi rates Biore products like UV Aqua Rich at a High fit level for combination skin.

### Which brand has products with no fragrance listed in their ingredients, Biore or MAC?

Biore has products on this page that list no fragrance in their ingredients, whereas none of the MAC products on this page are fragrance-free.

### How do the founding years and parent companies of Biore and MAC compare?

Biore was founded in 1980 in Japan and is owned by Kao Corporation, whereas MAC was founded in 1984 in Canada and has been owned by The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994.

### Which brand performs better for deep cleaning and debris removal according to review themes?

Biore performs better for deep cleaning and debris removal according to review themes. Lovi rates the products on this page as having an Average fit for oily and acne-prone skin.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16527405/) Menthol · Pain, 2006
- [Topical Formulation Containing Naringenin: Efficacy against Ultraviolet B Irradiation-Induced Skin Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26741806/) Grapefruit fruit extract · PloS One, 2016
- [Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/) Camellia japonica seed oil · Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007
- [Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/) Ceramide np · International Journal of Dermatology, 2008
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Green tea extract reduces induction of p53 and apoptosis in UVB-irradiated human skin independent of transcriptional controls](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18631247/) Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Experimental Dermatology, 2009
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/) Witch hazel leaf extract · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Self-Assembled Cubic Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles for Transdermal Delivery of Paeonol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26517086/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Medical Science Monitor, 2015
- [Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Molecules, 2023
- [Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33911590/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · Annals of Dermatology, 2019
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/) Ceramide np · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne--results of a prospective, observational pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22585103/) Jojoba seed oil · Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 2012
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Challenging the safety and efficacy of topically applied chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin by HET-CAM, HPLC-TBARS-EVSC, and laser Doppler flowmetry](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38831914/) Grapefruit fruit extract · Frontiers in Chemistry, 2024
- [Subclinical, non-erythematous irritation with an open assay model (washing): sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) versus sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11278060/) Sodium laureth sulfate · Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2001
- [Subclinical cutaneous inflammation remained after permeability barrier disruption enhances UV sensitivity by altering ER stress responses and topical pseudoceramide prevents them](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28631090/) Ceramide ng · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017
- [Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38344180/) Jojoba seed oil · Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024
- [Antiacne and antiblotch activities of a formulated combination of Aloe barbadensis leaf powder, Garcinia mangostana peel extract, and Camellia sinensis leaf extract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31239743/) Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
- [The efficacy study of the combination of tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3. A prospective, randomized controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28150423/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017
- [In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24376350/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2013
- [Partially purified paeoniflorin exerts protective effects on UV-induced DNA damage and reduces facial wrinkles in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16676123/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2006
- [Effect of seasonal and geographical differences on skin and effect of treatment with an osmoprotectant: Sorbitol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23752031/) Sorbitol · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013
- [Squalane as a Promising Agent Protecting UV-Induced Inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblast](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/) Squalane · Molecules, 2025
- [Effects of Investigational Moisturizers on the Skin Barrier and Microbiome following Exposure to Environmental Aggressors: A Randomized Clinical Trial and Ex Vivo Analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37763018/) Yeast extract · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41309687/) Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025
- [Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid of the Stratum Corneum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/) Caprylic capric triglyceride · Life, 2023
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Mitigation of ultraviolet-induced erythema and inflammation by para-hydroxycinnamic acid in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39138602/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025
- [Facial disbiosis and UV filters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39499337/) Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024
- [Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/) Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Butyrospermum parkii butter shea butter · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [Biore](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/biore)
- Canadian skincare: [MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/mac)

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## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

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- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/biore-vs-mac
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/biore-vs-mac (this page)