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Shiseido vs MAC

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

Shiseido and MAC represent two distinguished heritage houses rooted in meticulous daily care. The Japanese pioneer relies on glycerin-infused moisturizers, gentle cleansers, protective sunscreens, and nourishing serums tailored for sensitive and oily skin, while its Canadian counterpart offers reliable moisturizers and makeup removers crafted for balanced skin. Although both provide targeted solutions for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature concerns, they differ in their foundational approach and regional heritage.

Shiseido is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1872 and owned by Shiseido Company, Limited.

corp.shiseido.comen.wikipedia.orgmarketscreener.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 Shiseido and MAC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Shiseido vs MAC products

People Say

ShiseidoMAC
  • Deep hydration Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “Immediate sensation of comfort — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “Lightweight, silky, non-sticky, sinks in instantly. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
    • “skin feels plump, soft and nourished, eliminates dryness, bouncy feel — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
  • Makeup base compatibility Rarely 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”
    • “Great base for makeup — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
  • Luxurious texture Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “silky smooth, rich but non-greasy, absorbs quickly, melts into skin — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
    • “Airy-soft texture — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
    • “absorbs quickly — Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream”
  • Radiance and brightening Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Skin looks brighter, more radiant, and "glowy." — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
    • “faded pimple marks — Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream”
    • “Eyes look more awake — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “lit-from-within look — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Lightweight hydration Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Smoother skin Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Velvety smooth — Shiseido FUTURE SOLUTION LX”
    • “makes skin baby soft — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched”
    • “smoothes rough skin — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
    • “petal-soft skin — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • High price Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Very expensive for the size — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “Expensive, pricey, high cost for the amount. — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “A bit expensive — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Strong fragrance and scent Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Has a scent that might irritate very sensitive noses. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “old lady smell — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
  • Skin irritation and reactions Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Caused some irritation — Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream”
    • “Caused burning and redness — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Stings if it accidentally gets into the eyes. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”

Questions and answers

Shiseido or MAC: which is better?

When comparing Shiseido and MAC, Shiseido is often better for deep hydration, radiance, and smoother skin, while MAC excels in makeup base compatibility and lightweight hydration. Topical hyaluronic acid, found in Shiseido products on this page, helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

What is the difference between Shiseido and MAC?

Shiseido outperforms MAC for deep hydration, luxurious textures, and radiance, whereas the products on this page for MAC do better with lightweight hydration and makeup base compatibility. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Shiseido or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, Shiseido is often noted for firming, line-reducing formulas and deep hydration, whereas the products on this page for MAC focus on lightweight hydration and makeup base compatibility. Topical hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient across Shiseido products, helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, Shiseido or MAC?

Shiseido and MAC are equally matched on high price, as both brands are noted for a high price point across the products on this page.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Shiseido or MAC?

Neither brand clearly causes fewer breakouts, as both feature products with varying breakout risks across different skin types. For instance, Shiseido products on this page often receive mixed acne-prone fit levels and sometimes note skin irritation, while MAC's limited selection includes formulations that may help with certain skin types but still carry sensitivity risks.

How do Shiseido and MAC differ in their country of origin and parent company?

Shiseido is founded in Japan and owned by Shiseido Company, Limited, whereas MAC is founded in Canada and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Which brand has more products listed on the page that contain fragrance?

Shiseido has more fragranced products listed on the products on this page, with fifteen fragranced items compared to three from MAC.

What are the specific morning and evening skincare routine steps recommended for dry skin using Shiseido products?

When using Shiseido products on this page for dry skin, the morning routine recommends a cleanser, a hydrating toner, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen, while the evening routine suggests a pre-cleanser, a cleanser, a serum or treatment, and a moisturizer. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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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