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BYOMA vs MAC

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

BYOMA and MAC are distinct skincare brands offering thoughtfully formulated daily essentials for different complexions. The British brand relies on tri-ceramide and squalane to suit dry skin and sensitive skin best, while the Canadian brand utilizes gentle and effective ingredients to suit balanced skin best. Both collections feature targeted products for specific concerns like acne, dark spots, and mature needs, but they differ in their core formulations and heritage. Ultimately, the former enhances barrier hydration and fights oxidative stress, whereas the latter provides a calm and measured foundation for daily maintenance.

BYOMA is a British skincare brand founded in 2022 and owned by Bansk Group since 2025.

cosmeticsbusiness.com

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 BYOMA and MAC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular BYOMA vs MAC products

People Say

BYOMAMAC
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “skin feels so hydrated — BYOMA Hydrating Milky Toner”
    • “feels refreshing on the skin — BYOMA Balancing Face Mist”
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Gentleness and Sensitivity Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “doesn't strip skin — BYOMA Creamy Jelly Cleanser”
    • “no irritation at all — BYOMA Sensitive Retinol Oil”
    • “great for sensitive skin — BYOMA Balancing Face Mist”
    • “Does not cause breakouts — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Makeup Base and Primer Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Skin Texture Improvement Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “petal-soft skin — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Keeps my face soft and not oily — BYOMA Brightening Toner”
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “Absorbs instantly — BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream”
    • “sinks in quickly — BYOMA Brightening Serum”
    • “sinks in immediately — BYOMA Hydrating Serum”
  • Skin Barrier Support Often MentionedNot noted
    • “helped heal my barrier — BYOMA Hydrating Serum”
    • “healed my skin barrier — BYOMA Hydrating Milky Toner”
    • “calmed my redness — BYOMA Creamy Jelly Cleanser”
  • High Price Point Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Packaging and Design Flaws Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “Opening is huge — BYOMA Brightening Toner”
  • Skin Reactions and Breakouts Often MentionedSometimes 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”
    • “Rolls off skin — BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream”

Questions and answers

BYOMA or MAC: which is better?

BYOMA is a better fit for gentleness and skin barrier support with fragrance-free formulas, while MAC is preferred for makeup bases and primers. Lovi rates BYOMA with High or Superior fit levels across most skin types on this page.

What is the difference between BYOMA and MAC?

BYOMA focuses on barrier-supporting, fragrance-free hydration that fits dry and sensitive skin well, whereas MAC is known for makeup bases and primers but often features strong fragrances. Lovi fit levels show BYOMA achieves Superior ratings for several dry-skin moisturizers, while MAC products on this page generally receive High or Average ratings.

BYOMA or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, BYOMA performs better for skin barrier support and gentleness, whereas MAC is known for lightweight hydration and makeup bases. For dry skin, BYOMA products on this page such as the Moisturizing Rich Cream achieve a Superior fit level.

Which is more affordable, BYOMA or MAC?

BYOMA is more affordable, whereas MAC has a high price point as a notable drawback.

Which causes fewer breakouts, BYOMA or MAC?

BYOMA causes fewer breakouts than MAC, as review themes note fewer skin reactions and breakouts for BYOMA.

Between BYOMA and MAC, which brand offers products containing fragrance?

Both BYOMA and MAC offer products containing fragrance, as MAC includes fragrance in all the products on this page, while BYOMA includes it in the Smoothing Body Serum.

Which brand has been around longer, BYOMA or MAC?

MAC has been around longer, having been founded in Canada in 1984, whereas BYOMA was founded in the United Kingdom in 2022.

How do BYOMA and MAC compare regarding skin barrier support?

BYOMA does better than MAC for skin barrier support, as the products on this page feature barrier-strengthening moisturizers with key ingredients like ceramides. Reviewers frequently note that BYOMA helps strengthen the skin barrier, whereas MAC does not focus on this benefit.

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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