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Simple vs MAC

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

Simple and MAC are established beauty brands that offer daily skincare essentials like moisturizers and makeup removers formulated with supportive ingredients such as niacinamide and glycerin. The British brand is known for gentle cleansers and toners that suit acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin, while the Canadian brand is beloved for balanced daily formulas that suit balanced skin best. Both companies feature standout products for specific concerns, including targeted treatments for dark spots and mature skin. Ultimately, they differ in their heritage and ideal skin types, with the Unilever-owned line prioritizing delicate barriers and the Estée Lauder-owned line providing a measured foundation for maintenance.

Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.

en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk

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

Popular Simple vs MAC products

People Say

SimpleMAC
  • Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “Does not cause breakouts — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Makeup base and primer performance Sometimes 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”
    • “makeup lays well — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
  • Effective cleansing and makeup removal Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “Best morning cleanser — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “Removes waterproof mascara completely without needing a separate remover. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Emulsifies beautifully and rinses off without a greasy film. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Affordable price point and value Often MentionedNot noted
    • “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “Can't beat the price for the quality. — Simple Micellar Water”
  • Convenience and formulation features Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Love that it has absolutely no scent. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “love that it's alcohol-free — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “No need to rinse... perfect for traveling or lazy nights. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • High price point Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Caused breakouts and skin reactions Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “caused major breakouts — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Breaks me out, I got pimples from this. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Struggles with waterproof makeup Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”

Questions and answers

Simple or MAC: which is better?

Simple is gentler on sensitive skin because the products on this page list no fragrance, whereas MAC products contain fragrance. Simple also offers a more affordable price point and value, while MAC performs better for makeup bases and primers.

What is the difference between Simple and MAC?

Simple stands out for being gentle on sensitive skin and budget-friendly, whereas MAC excels with makeup bases and primers while often containing fragrance. Simple has a High Lovi fit for sensitive skin with products like its Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner, and glycerin helps keep skin hydrated.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Simple or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

Simple offers more value-friendly moisturizers with no fragrance on this page, whereas MAC has a higher price point and strong fragrance. For hydration, the products on this page for both brands are equal, and glycerin helps keep skin moisturized.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which is more affordable, Simple or MAC?

Simple is more affordable, offering value-friendly moisturizers, whereas MAC has a high price point.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Simple or MAC?

Simple does better with gentle skincare, while MAC reviewers often mention strong fragrance and sensitivity issues.

Which brand offers products with no fragrance, Simple or MAC?

Simple offers products with no fragrance, as every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas MAC includes fragrance in all the products on its page.

How do the founding years and parent companies of Simple and MAC compare?

Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and has been owned by Unilever PLC since 2011, whereas MAC was founded in 1984 in Canada and is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994.

Which brand has a higher Lovi fit level for sensitive skin using the Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner?

Simple has a High Lovi fit level for sensitive skin when using the Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner.

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?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

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