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RoC vs MAC

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

RoC and MAC are distinct skincare houses established respectively in France and Canada, offering dedicated paths to daily radiance. The French house is known for effective serums, eye products, moisturizers, and cleansers featuring nourishing glycerin and potent retinol, which suit acne-prone skin and mature skin best. Conversely, the Canadian brand is celebrated for reliable daily moisturizers and makeup removers crafted from carefully balanced formulas that suit balanced skin best. While both cater to diverse complexions, they differ fundamentally as the former specializes in targeted active formulations for advanced concerns, whereas the latter provides a calm and measured foundation for daily maintenance.

RoC is a French skincare brand founded in 1957 and owned by Bridgepoint Group plc since 2024.

en.wikipedia.orgprnewswire.combeautymatter.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 RoC and MAC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular RoC vs MAC products

People Say

RoCMAC
  • Non-Greasy and Lightweight Formula Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Emulsifies beautifully and rinses off without a greasy film. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “absorbs nicely — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
  • Makeup Base and Primer Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Wrinkle and Fine Line Reduction Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “wrinkles look less deep — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
    • “Fine lines definitely softer — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “diminished my forehead lines — RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum”
  • Gentleness on Sensitive Skin Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Does not cause breakouts — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Doesn't sting my eyes or blur my vision. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “doesn't leave my skin feeling tight — RoC BARRIER RENEW® GEL-TO-FOAM CLEANSER”
  • Makeup Removal and Cleansing Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Removes waterproof mascara completely without needing a separate remover. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Leaves skin feeling soft and supple, never tight. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “lathers a lot — RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks”
  • Skin Texture and Smoothing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “face looked smoother — RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks”
    • “skin feels silky smooth — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
    • “skin feels like silk — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum”
    • “petal-soft skin — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • High Price Point Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “small bottle — RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Strong Fragrance and Scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like perfume — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
    • “smell is too strong — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum”
    • “perfume smell is too strong — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream”
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Skin Irritation and Burning Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Stings if it accidentally gets into the eyes. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “caused redness and stinging — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”

Questions and answers

RoC or MAC: which is better?

RoC is better for anti-aging results like wrinkle reduction, whereas MAC stands out for lightweight moisturizers, makeup bases, and primers. Reviewers note that RoC products on this page often help smooth skin texture, while MAC scores higher for non-greasy formulas and gentleness.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

What is the difference between RoC and MAC?

RoC focuses on anti-aging and wrinkle reduction with key ingredients like retinol, whereas MAC is known for lightweight moisturizers, makeup bases, and primers. Reviewers note that RoC products on this page often help reduce fine lines, while MAC excels in makeup removal and cleansing.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

RoC or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

When looking at the products on this page, RoC is a better choice for moisturizers if you want anti-aging benefits, as its Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream and BARRIER RENEW AM MOISTURIZER SPF 30 achieve a High Lovi fit for mature and dry skin. Reviewers note that RoC excels at wrinkle and fine line reduction, backed by ingredients like retinol which helps stimulate collagen accumulation in aging skin.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

Which is more affordable, RoC or MAC?

MAC is noted for a high price point, while RoC has high price point as a negative review theme.

Which causes fewer breakouts, RoC or MAC?

Both RoC and MAC offer products for acne-prone skin on this page, but RoC features a cleanser with a High Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin.

Which brand has been around longer and where was each founded?

RoC has been around longer, having been founded in France in 1957, whereas MAC was founded in Canada in 1984.

How many products from RoC and MAC contain fragrance according to the page?

According to the page, 2 out of 12 RoC products and 3 out of 3 MAC products list fragrance.

What are the key ingredients found across RoC products?

The key ingredients found across the RoC products on this page are glycerin, retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. Retinol helps reduce wrinkles and signs of aging in skin.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

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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