Galderma vs MAC
Galderma and MAC are distinct skincare houses offering targeted formulations for diverse complexions. The Swiss brand features serums with active ingredients like adapalene and benzoyl peroxide that suit oily and combination skin best, while the Canadian counterpart provides moisturizers and makeup removers crafted from balanced formulas designed for balanced skin. Ultimately, the two houses differ through Galderma focusing on intensive treatments for specific concerns like acne and dark spots, and MAC emphasizing gentle daily maintenance.
Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
MAC is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 1984 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994.
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This page compares some of the most popular Galderma and MAC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Galderma vs MAC products
People Say
Acne Clearance and Breakout Prevention Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
- “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
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”
Lightweight Hydration and Soft Skin Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
- “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
- “petal-soft skin — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
Redness Reduction and Scar Fading Often MentionedNot noted
- “scars are fading — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “angry redness tones down — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
Severe Dryness and Peeling Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
High Price Point Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
Intense Burning and Stinging Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Initial Purging and Breakouts Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Questions and answers
Galderma or MAC: which is better?
Galderma is better for acne clearance and breakout prevention with its fragrance-free serums, whereas MAC is better for lightweight hydration and makeup bases. Lovi rates Galderma as High fit for oily acne-prone skin and MAC as High fit for dry sensitive skin.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
What is the difference between Galderma and MAC?
Galderma is better for acne clearance and redness reduction with high Lovi fit levels for oily skin, whereas MAC excels at makeup bases and lightweight hydration. Benzoyl peroxide helps clear breakouts, though the products on this page may cause severe dryness and peeling.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
Which is more affordable, Galderma or MAC?
MAC has a high price point according to reviewers, while high price point is noted as a drawback for Galderma.
Which causes fewer breakouts, Galderma or MAC?
Galderma is better for acne clearance and breakout prevention, featuring effective acne-clearing serums on this page, whereas MAC reviewers note initial purging and breakouts.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
Which brand has products that are entirely fragrance-free, Galderma or MAC?
Galderma has products on this page that are entirely fragrance-free, whereas all MAC products on this page contain fragrance. Reviewers note that Galderma products help clear acne effectively.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
How do the skin types that each brand fits best differ according to their routines?
Galderma fits oily skin, combination skin, and oily acne-prone skin best based on its brand-focused routines. MAC routines do not show a specific skin type that the brand fits best.
Which brand is better suited for acne clearance versus lightweight hydration?
Galderma has a High fit for clearing acne, as its products on this page help reduce breakouts, while MAC does better for lightweight hydration and soft skin. Topical benzoyl peroxide helps treat acne.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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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.
