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Bioderma vs MAC

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

Bioderma and MAC represent two distinct approaches to daily beauty maintenance, with the French skincare brand founded in 1977 offering moisturizers, makeup removers, serums, and cleansers crafted with glycerin, while the Canadian skincare brand founded in 1984 provides reliable moisturizers and makeup removers featuring balanced formulas. The former suits sensitive skin and oily acne-prone skin best, whereas the latter suits balanced skin best. Both utilize gentle yet effective elements to support everyday routines. Ultimately, the brands differ through their specific ingredient profiles and ideal skin types, providing distinct options for diverse complexions.

Bioderma is a French skincare brand founded in 1977 and owned by Jean-Noël Thorel Foundation since 2018.

bioderma.usnaos.com

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

elcompanies.comen.wikipedia.org

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

Popular Bioderma vs MAC products

People Say

BiodermaMAC
  • Gentle and Non-Irritating Formula Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “doesn't sting my eyes — Bioderma Sensibio H2O”
    • “melts every bit of make up and SPF off — Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil”
    • “doesn't cause any irritation — Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil”
    • “Emulsifies beautifully and rinses off without a greasy film. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Makeup Base and Primer Qualities Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “lit-from-within look — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Keeps you shine free — Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner”
  • Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “healed my dry skin — Bioderma Sébium Hydra”
  • Cleansing and Makeup Removal Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “feels like water — Bioderma Sensibio H2O”
    • “I love that it's non-greasy and absorbs quickly. — Bioderma Pigmentbio Sensitive Areas”
    • “Removes waterproof mascara completely without needing a separate remover. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Price and Value Concerns Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “pricier than other brands — Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant”
    • “finished too quickly — Bioderma Hydrabio Serum”
    • “pricey for water — Bioderma Sensibio H2O”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Texture and Residue Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Don't expect miracles — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Felt sticky to me — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “requires a thorough follow-up — Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil”
  • Skin Irritation and Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Breaks me out, I got pimples from this. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Stings if it accidentally gets into the eyes. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “broke me out — Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume”

Questions and answers

Bioderma or MAC: which is better?

Bioderma is better for gentle, soothing care, featuring soothing and barrier-repairing moisturizers as well as gentle, non-irritating makeup removers. Reviewers note that Bioderma fits sensitive skin, oily acne-prone skin, and dry skin best, whereas MAC focuses more on makeup bases, primers, and lightweight moisturizers.

What is the difference between Bioderma and MAC?

Bioderma fits sensitive skin, oily acne-prone skin, and dry skin best, whereas MAC specializes in makeup bases, primers, and lightweight moisturizers. Reviewers note that Bioderma offers a more gentle and non-irritating formula, while MAC tends to cause more skin irritation and breakouts.

Bioderma or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

Bioderma offers moisturizers that feature Glycerin, which helps support dry and sensitive skin. Reviewers note that MAC moisturizers tend to have a stronger fragrance and can cause sensitivity, while Bioderma provides soothing, barrier-repairing options.

Which is more affordable, Bioderma or MAC?

Reviewers note high price point and value concerns for both Bioderma and MAC.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Bioderma or MAC?

Bioderma is the better choice for avoiding breakouts because MAC has more reported issues with skin irritation and breakouts. Bioderma also features dedicated products with high Lovi fit levels for acne-prone skin, such as Sébium Mat Control and Sébium Gel moussant.

How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of Bioderma and MAC compare?

Bioderma was founded in France in 1977 and has been owned by the Jean-Noël Thorel Foundation since 2018. In comparison, MAC was founded in Canada in 1984 and has been owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994.

Which brand has more fragrance-free products available on this page, Bioderma or MAC?

Bioderma has more fragrance-free products available on this page, with 9 out of 20 products listing no fragrance, whereas none of the 3 MAC products are fragrance-free.

What are the specific routine steps suggested for a dry skin routine using Bioderma products?

For a dry skin routine using Bioderma products, the morning steps include a cleanser like Atoderm Huile de Douche, a hydrating toner such as Hydrabio Serum, a moisturizer like Atoderm Crème Ultra, and SPF protection. The evening routine features a pre-cleanser with Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil, followed by Atoderm Huile de Douche, Pigmentbio Sensitive Areas as a treatment, and Atoderm Crème Ultra.

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

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