# DHC vs MAC

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/dhc-vs-mac

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

DHC and MAC are two distinct beauty labels founded in the early 1980s, with the Japanese brand celebrated for nourishing formulas and makeup removers, and the Canadian brand known for reliable moisturizers and cleansers. The former suits dry, normal, combination, and oily skin types best, while the latter caters most effectively to balanced skin. Both collections offer targeted solutions for specific needs, such as specialized cleansing oils for acne-prone skin and dark spots, differing primarily in their origin and ingredient philosophies.

DHC is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by ORIX Corporation since 2023.

[dhc-corporate.co.jp](https://dhc-corporate.co.jp/en/company/message/) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DHC_Corporation)

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)

This page compares some of the most popular DHC and MAC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg9014467616).

### Popular DHC vs MAC products

#### DHC

- [Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dhc/deep-cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [CA$45.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001UE60E0?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Pore Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dhc/pore-cleansing-oil/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$46.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00D7IA7KU?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### MAC

- [Hyper Real Serumizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mac/hyper-real-serumizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — [CA$86.93 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BV14LWTN?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Mineralize Timecheck Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mac/mineralize-timecheck-lotion/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mac/hyper-real-fresh-canvas-cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### DHC or MAC: which is better?

DHC is the better choice for sensitive skin because the products on this page list no fragrance, whereas MAC products on this page all contain fragrance.

### What is the difference between DHC and MAC?

DHC products on this page list no fragrance, whereas every MAC product on this page includes fragrance. For sensitive skin, DHC offers a Superior fit with its Pore Cleansing Oil, while MAC options on this page rate as Average.

### Which is more affordable, DHC or MAC?

Reviews mention that MAC has a high price point, whereas DHC does not have this listed as a common drawback in shopper feedback.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, DHC or MAC?

DHC helps prevent breakouts better because the products on this page list no fragrance, whereas MAC products on this page often mention strong fragrance and sensitivity issues.

### Which brand offers products with no fragrance, DHC or MAC?

DHC offers products with no fragrance, as every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas MAC has strong fragrance reported and none of its products on this page list no fragrance.

### When was each brand founded and where are they from?

DHC was founded in Japan in 1980, and MAC was founded in Canada in 1984.

### How does the Lovi fit level for dry skin compare between DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil and MAC's Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil?

DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil has a High Lovi fit level for dry skin, matching the High fit level of MAC's Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil. Both makeup removers work well for this skin type, but every product on the DHC page lists no fragrance, whereas none of the MAC products on this page do.

## Research behind their 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
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Nicotinamide Plus Antibacterial Adhesive Agents and Zinc-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid Versus Placebo as an Adjuvant Treatment for Moderate Acne Vulgaris in Indonesia: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/) Zinc pca · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [Formulation strategies to modulate the topical delivery of anti-inflammatory compounds](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24139433/) Stearyl glycyrrhetinate · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013
- [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
- [Clinical Development and Evaluation of a Multi-Component Dissolving Microneedle Patch for Skin Pigmentation Disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37571190/) 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid · Polymers, 2023
- [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 of a Topical Formulation on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Individuals With Xerosis: A 28-Day Randomized, Split-Leg, Untreated-Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42108609/) Dipotassium glycyrrhizate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026
- [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

## The brands

- Japanese skincare: [DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/dhc)
- Canadian skincare: [MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/mac)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/skin1004-vs-dhc)
- [SKIN1004 vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/skin1004-vs-mac)
- [Anua vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/anua-vs-dhc)
- [Anua vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/anua-vs-mac)
- [Medicube vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/medicube-vs-dhc)
- [Medicube vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/medicube-vs-mac)
- [The Ordinary vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dhc)
- [The Ordinary vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/the-ordinary-vs-mac)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-dhc)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-mac)
- [COSRX vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/cosrx-vs-dhc)
- [COSRX vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/cosrx-vs-mac)
- [CeraVe vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/cerave-vs-dhc)
- [CeraVe vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/cerave-vs-mac)
- [La Roche-Posay vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dhc)
- [La Roche-Posay vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-mac)
- [Dr. Althea vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/dr-althea-vs-dhc)
- [Dr. Althea vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/dr-althea-vs-mac)
- [Some By Mi vs DHC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dhc)
- [Some By Mi vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/some-by-mi-vs-mac)

## About the Lovi Fit

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

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the 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 this comparison: 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

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