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Olay vs MAC

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

Olay and MAC represent two distinct approaches to daily maintenance, offering reliable moisturizers, cleansers, and targeted treatments for various concerns. Olay is universally loved for its gentle yet effective collection formulated with niacinamide and glycerin, which suit sensitive skin and oily skin best, while the Canadian skincare brand MAC is beloved for its thoughtful approach supported by balanced ingredients that suit balanced skin best. Through regular application, niacinamide improves wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin aging, while glycerin improves skin hydration and barrier function. Ultimately, both brands differ in their specific formulations and ideal skin types, providing a calm foundation for personal care.

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

Popular Olay vs MAC products

People Say

OlayMAC
  • Skin Texture and Smoothness Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “skin feels baby soft — Olay Retinol24”
    • “Skin feels like silk — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
    • “hydrates the skin — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
    • “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Leaves skin feeling soft and supple, never tight. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Instantly smoother, softer, and more hydrated — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
  • Makeup Compatibility Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “absorbs instantly — Olay Eye Lifting Serum”
  • Radiance and Brightening Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “iridescent glow — Olay Super Serum”
    • “hides dark shadows — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
    • “skin looks brighter — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
    • “lit-from-within look — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Absorption and Feel Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “sinks in quickly — Olay Super Serum”
    • “absorbs quickly — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
    • “absorbs instantly — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
  • Gentle Formulas Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Does not cause breakouts — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Doesn't sting my eyes or blur my vision. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “tiny beads aren't harsh — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
  • Price Point and Cost Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “expensive for drugstore — Olay Super Serum”
    • “expensive — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
    • “small quantity (0.5 oz) — Olay Eye Lifting Serum”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Fragrance and Scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Fragrance can be an irritant — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
    • “floral scent — Olay Super Serum”
    • “smells like plastic — Olay Retinol24”
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Skin Irritation and Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “caused cystic acne — Olay Retinol24”
    • “Caused breakouts — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
    • “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Breaks me out, I got pimples from this. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”

Questions and answers

Olay or MAC: which is better?

Olay is better for improving skin texture and boosting radiance, while MAC stands out for hydration and makeup compatibility among the products on this page. Olay also tends to be gentler on scent, as almost all its products are fragrance-free, whereas MAC products on this page include fragrance.

What is the difference between Olay and MAC?

Olay offers a wide variety of skincare products on this page with fragrance-free options and key ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, whereas MAC provides a smaller selection of products that all contain fragrance. Reviewers note that Olay does better for skin texture and smoothness, while MAC stands out for hydration and makeup compatibility.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Drug Delivery, 2017

Olay or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, Olay stands out for offering fragrance-free options across most of the products on this page and strong ratings for mature and dry skin, while MAC provides lightweight moisturizers that reviewers often note as effective makeup bases. Both brands offer good hydration, but Olay is generally better for targeted anti-aging and brightening needs.

Which is more affordable, Olay or MAC?

Olay is more affordable than MAC, as MAC products on this page have a high price point. Review themes note that Olay does better when it comes to the price point and cost.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Olay or MAC?

Skin irritation and breakouts are equal between Olay and MAC based on the products on this page.

Which brand has more fragrance-free skincare products, Olay or MAC?

Olay has more fragrance-free options, with 26 out of 27 products on this page listing no fragrance. In contrast, all three products on the MAC page contain fragrance.

How do the founding years and corporate owners of Olay and MAC compare?

Olay was founded in 1952 and has been owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1985. In contrast, MAC was founded in Canada in 1984 and has been owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994.

Which brand offers better results for skin texture and smoothness?

Olay does better for skin texture and smoothness based on the products on this page. Ingredients like niacinamide help improve skin quality and combat signs of aging.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

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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