# Taro vs MAC

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/taro-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.

Taro and MAC are two distinct skincare lines offering reliable daily care for modern routines. Taro is warmly embraced for its targeted [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/serum) and carefully crafted formulas, suiting sensitive, dry, and combination skin best with standout offerings like the [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/tretinoin) Cream for acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, the Canadian brand beloved since 1984 offers thoughtful moisturizers and makeup removers suited best for balanced skin, featuring gentle and effective ingredients such as the Mineralize Timecheck Lotion, Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil, and Hyper Real Serumizer. While both provide a calm and measured foundation for daily maintenance, they differ primarily in their specialized formulations and the specific skin types they serve.

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 Taro 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=pg4cf5bcb6e1).

### Popular Taro 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

#### Taro

- [Tretinoin Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/taro/tretinoin-cream/for/combination-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### Taro or MAC: which is better?

MAC is a better fit for dry and sensitive skin types, earning High Lovi fit levels across multiple moisturizers and cleansers on this page, whereas Taro's [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/tretinoin) Cream achieves High fits specifically for combination and acne-prone skin. Additionally, every product on the Taro page lists no fragrance, while all MAC products on this page contain fragrance.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/)

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

Taro features fragrance-free products on this page like Tretinoin Cream, which Lovi rates as a High fit for acne-prone skin, whereas MAC includes fragrance in all its items on this page, such as the Hyper Real Serumizer. Tretinoin helps restore [collagen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/collagen) formation in photodamaged skin.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/)

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

MAC is frequently noted for its high price point, whereas Taro does not have pricing feedback mentioned on this page.

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

Taro gets a High fit for acne-prone skin with its Tretinoin Cream, while MAC products on this page get an Average fit for acne-prone skin. Tretinoin helps treat acne, whereas MAC formulations on this page contain fragrance, which often triggers sensitivity.

[The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

### Which brand has been around longer, Taro or MAC?

Taro has been around longer than MAC, having been founded in 1950 compared to MAC which started in 1984.

### Do Taro products contain fragrance compared to MAC?

Taro products on this page list no fragrance, whereas all MAC products on this page contain fragrance.

### Which company owns MAC and when was it acquired?

MAC is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and was acquired in 1994.

## 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
- [Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) Tretinoin · The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
- [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
- [Final report on the safety assessment of BHT(1)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12396675/) Butylated hydroxytoluene · International Journal of Toxicology, 2002
- [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
- [Clinical Assessment of New Topical Cream Containing Two Essential Oils Combined with Tretinoin in the Treatment of Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/) Tretinoin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [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
- [Efficacy assessments of tretinoin-loaded nano lipid carriers in acne vulgaris: a double blind, split-face randomized clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/) Tretinoin · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/) Tretinoin · International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022
- [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
- [Nanogel Containing Gamma-Oryzanol-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers and TiO2/MBBT: A Synergistic Nanotechnological Approach of Potent Natural Antioxidants and Nanosized UV Filters for Skin Protection](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37242453/) Xanthan gum · Pharmaceuticals, 2023
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [Topical application of highly concentrated water-in-oil emulsions: Physiological skin parameters and skin penetration in vivo - A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31525444/) Isopropyl myristate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019
- [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
- [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
- [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

- Skincare: [Taro](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/taro)
- 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

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/taro-vs-mac
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/taro-vs-mac
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/taro-vs-mac
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- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/taro-vs-mac
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/taro-vs-mac
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/taro-vs-mac
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/taro-vs-mac
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/taro-vs-mac (this page)