# MAC skincare

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/mac

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United States.

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

[elcompanies.com](https://www.elcompanies.com/en-gb/our-brands/mac) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Est%C3%A9e_Lauder_Companies)

MAC is beloved for its thoughtful approach to daily skincare, offering reliable moisturizers and makeup removers crafted from carefully balanced formulas. Its products suit balanced skin best, supported by gentle and effective ingredients. For targeted concerns, the standout products include the Mineralize Timecheck Lotion for acne-prone skin, the Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil for skin with dark spots, and the Hyper Real Serumizer for mature skin. Together, these thoughtful offerings provide a calm and measured foundation for daily maintenance.

This page covers some of the most popular MAC products; for the whole MAC range, with a fit score for every product, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=brand&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pgf315a2c856).

### Other MAC products

#### Other products

- [Hyper Real Serumizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mac/hyper-real-serumizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — [$33.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV14LWTN?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Mineralize Timecheck Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mac/mineralize-timecheck-lotion/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mac/hyper-real-fresh-canvas-cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit

## People Say

★4.7

Overall rating based on 9.4k+ reviews

Reviewers most often praise MAC for lightweight hydration, a smooth makeup base, and glowing skin texture. The most common complaints are skin irritation from fragrance and lack of transformative anti-aging effects.

### Highlights

- Makeup bases and primers Mostly Mentioned “foundation glides on — Hyper Real Serumizer” “Sits beautifully under makeup — Mineralize Timecheck Lotion” “Reduces appearance of pores — Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
- Lightweight moisturizers Mostly Mentioned “absorbs quickly — Hyper Real Serumizer” “lit-from-within look — Hyper Real Serumizer” “Absorbs in a snap — Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
- High price point Mostly Mentioned “too expensive — Hyper Real Serumizer” “A bit expensive — Mineralize Timecheck Lotion” “It is expensive - very expensive. — Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
- Strong fragrance and sensitivity Often Mentioned “scent is overpowering — Hyper Real Serumizer” “Has a scent that might irritate very sensitive noses. — Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”

Sources: lovi.care, boots.com, sephora.co.uk, macys.com, myer.com.au, influenster.com, and more

## Questions and answers

### Is MAC worth it?

MAC is often worth considering for its lightweight moisturizers and makeup bases, though reviewers frequently mention a high price point and strong fragrance. Lovi rates the MAC-focused routine Superior for dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, combination skin, and acne-prone skin.

### What are MAC's best products?

MAC's best products are the Hyper Real Serumizer, Mineralize Timecheck Lotion, and Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil. Lovi rates the MAC-focused routine Superior for dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, combination skin, and acne-prone skin.

### Which MAC moisturizer is best for dry skin?

Mineralize Timecheck Lotion is the best choice, as Lovi rates it High for dry skin, while Hyper Real Serumizer rates Average.

### Does MAC cause breakouts?

MAC is unlikely to cause breakouts, as the acne-prone skin routine for the brand on Lovi rates Superior. Reviewers mention lightweight moisturizers as a strength.

### Is MAC fragrance-free?

No, the MAC products on this page are not fragrance-free, as all three listed items contain fragrance.

### What are the key ingredients in MAC products?

MAC products feature key ingredients like [niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/niacinamide) and [sodium hyaluronate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid). Niacinamide helps reduce dark spots and sodium hyaluronate improves skin hydration.

[The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) [Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/)

### How do I build a MAC skincare routine?

To build a MAC skincare routine, cleanse with Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil and then moisturize with Hyper Real Serumizer or Mineralize Timecheck Lotion. Lovi rates the MAC routine Superior for dry, oily, sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin.

### Where can I buy MAC, and how much does it cost?

MAC products on this page are available on Amazon US. They cost around $33.99.

### What are good alternatives to MAC?

Good alternatives to MAC with pages on Lovi include The Ordinary, Skinfix, ILIA Beauty, AlumierMD, grace & stella, and Luna Nectar. These similar brands offer alternative options for shoppers looking to explore different skincare lines.

### MAC vs The Ordinary: which is better?

MAC and The Ordinary are both well-suited for various skin needs, as Lovi rates the MAC-focused routine and The Ordinary-focused routine as Superior for dry, oily, sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin. Reviewers most frequently mention MAC for its makeup bases, primers, and lightweight moisturizers, though some note a high price point and strong fragrance.

### Who owns MAC, and where is it from?

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

[elcompanies.com](https://www.elcompanies.com/en-gb/our-brands/mac) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Est%C3%A9e_Lauder_Companies)

### Is MAC cruelty-free?

PETA, Leaping Bunny, and Cruelty Free International, the registries Lovi checks, do not list MAC as cruelty-free.

## Research behind MAC's key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/) Camellia japonica seed oil · Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007
- [Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/) Ceramide np · International Journal of Dermatology, 2008
- [Green tea extract reduces induction of p53 and apoptosis in UVB-irradiated human skin independent of transcriptional controls](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18631247/) Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Experimental Dermatology, 2009
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Self-Assembled Cubic Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles for Transdermal Delivery of Paeonol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26517086/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Medical Science Monitor, 2015
- [Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Molecules, 2023
- [Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33911590/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · Annals of Dermatology, 2019
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/) Ceramide np · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne--results of a prospective, observational pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22585103/) Jojoba seed oil · Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 2012
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Subclinical cutaneous inflammation remained after permeability barrier disruption enhances UV sensitivity by altering ER stress responses and topical pseudoceramide prevents them](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28631090/) Ceramide ng · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017
- [Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38344180/) Jojoba seed oil · Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024
- [Antiacne and antiblotch activities of a formulated combination of Aloe barbadensis leaf powder, Garcinia mangostana peel extract, and Camellia sinensis leaf extract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31239743/) Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
- [The efficacy study of the combination of tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3. A prospective, randomized controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28150423/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017
- [Partially purified paeoniflorin exerts protective effects on UV-induced DNA damage and reduces facial wrinkles in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16676123/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2006
- [Squalane as a Promising Agent Protecting UV-Induced Inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblast](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/) Squalane · Molecules, 2025
- [Effects of Investigational Moisturizers on the Skin Barrier and Microbiome following Exposure to Environmental Aggressors: A Randomized Clinical Trial and Ex Vivo Analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37763018/) Yeast extract · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid of the Stratum Corneum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/) Caprylic capric triglyceride · Life, 2023
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Butyrospermum parkii butter shea butter · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025

## Similar brands

- Canadian skincare: [The Ordinary](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/the-ordinary)
- Canadian skincare: [Skinfix](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/skinfix)
- Canadian skincare: [ILIA Beauty](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/ilia-beauty)
- Canadian skincare: [AlumierMD](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/alumiermd)
- Canadian skincare: [grace & stella](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/grace-and-stella)
- Canadian skincare: [Luna Nectar](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/luna-nectar)
- Canadian skincare: [Blume](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/blume)
- Canadian skincare: [NIOD](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/niod)
- Canadian skincare: [Vasanti](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/vasanti)
- Canadian skincare: [feel](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/feel)

## Compare MAC

- [SKIN1004 vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/skin1004-vs-mac)
- [Anua vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/anua-vs-mac)
- [Medicube vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/medicube-vs-mac)
- [The Ordinary vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/the-ordinary-vs-mac)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-mac)
- [COSRX vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cosrx-vs-mac)
- [CeraVe vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cerave-vs-mac)
- [La Roche-Posay vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-mac)
- [Dr. Althea vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-althea-vs-mac)
- [Some By Mi vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/some-by-mi-vs-mac)
- [Torriden vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/torriden-vs-mac)
- [celimax vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/celimax-vs-mac)
- [Purito vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/purito-vs-mac)
- [Cetaphil vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cetaphil-vs-mac)
- [Paula's Choice vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/paula-s-choice-vs-mac)
- [Neutrogena vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/neutrogena-vs-mac)
- [Kiehl's vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/kiehl-s-vs-mac)
- [Caudalie vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/caudalie-vs-mac)
- [Dermalogica vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dermalogica-vs-mac)
- [Good Molecules vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/good-molecules-vs-mac)

## Popular brands

- Korean skincare: [SKIN1004](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/skin1004)
- Korean skincare: [Anua](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/anua)
- Korean skincare: [Medicube](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/medicube)
- Korean skincare: [Beauty of Joseon](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/beauty-of-joseon)
- Korean skincare: [COSRX](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/cosrx)
- American skincare: [CeraVe](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/cerave)
- French skincare: [La Roche-Posay](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/la-roche-posay)
- Korean skincare: [Dr. Althea](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/dr-althea)
- Korean skincare: [Some By Mi](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/some-by-mi)
- Korean skincare: [Torriden](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/torriden)
- Korean skincare: [celimax](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/celimax)
- Korean skincare: [Purito](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/purito)
- Korean skincare: [ROUND LAB](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/round-lab)
- American skincare: [Cetaphil](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/cetaphil)
- American skincare: [Paula's Choice](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/paula-s-choice)
- American skincare: [Neutrogena](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/neutrogena)
- Korean skincare: [AXIS-Y](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/axis-y)
- American skincare: [Kiehl's](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/kiehl-s)
- Korean skincare: [d'Alba](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/d-alba)
- Korean skincare: [LANEIGE](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/laneige)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi rates every product from its full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind these ratings: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/mac (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/mac
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/mac
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/mac
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/brands/mac
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/mac
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/mac
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/mac
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/mac
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/mac
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/mac
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/mac
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/mac