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Biore vs MAC

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

Biore and MAC are distinguished skincare brands founded in 1980 and 1984, respectively, that offer carefully balanced formulas for daily routines. Biore is globally loved for sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers, suiting oily skin and combination skin best with standout items like the UV Aqua Rich for acne-prone skin, the Makeup Remover Perfect Oil for skin with dark spots, and the Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser for mature skin. In contrast, MAC is beloved for reliable moisturizers and makeup removers that suit balanced skin best, featuring thoughtful standouts like 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. While both brands provide reliable daily care through balanced ingredients, they differ because the Japanese brand focuses on targeted formulations for oilier skin, whereas the Canadian brand offers a calm foundation for balanced complexions.

Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.

biore.comkao.com

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

Popular Biore vs MAC products

People Say

BioreMAC
  • Texture and Finish Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “lit-from-within look — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
  • Makeup Base and Primer Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “primer-like — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
  • Makeup Removal Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Removes waterproof mascara completely without needing a separate remover. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
  • Deep Cleaning and Debris Removal Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
    • “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
  • Clean Rinse and Non-Stripping Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “No greasy film, leaves skin fresh, rinses easily. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
    • “Leaves skin soft, doesn't dry out face. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
    • “Leaves skin feeling soft and supple, never tight. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Ease of Use and Application Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Minimal effort required — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
    • “Satisfying to see results — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
    • “Works in shower, effective on wet hands/face. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
  • High Price Point Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Skin Breakouts and Irritation Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Felt sticky to me — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Breaks me out, I got pimples from this. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Nose was irritated — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
  • Scents and Fragrance Sensitivity Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
    • “strong citrus smell — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Has a scent that might irritate very sensitive noses. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Eye Irritation Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Stings if it accidentally gets into the eyes. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “stings eyes — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
  • Drying and Stripping Effect Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Made my skin peel — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”

Questions and answers

Biore or MAC: which is better?

Biore and MAC each have strengths depending on what you need, as Biore excels in easy application, deep cleaning, and lower price points, while MAC stands out for its texture, finish, and performance as a makeup base. Reviewers note that MAC often includes strong fragrance and can cause drying, whereas every Biore product on this page is fragrance-free.

What is the difference between Biore and MAC?

Biore products on this page list no fragrance, whereas all MAC products on this page contain fragrance. Reviewers note that Biore does better for deep cleaning and ease of use, while MAC does better for texture, makeup bases, and primers.

Which is more affordable, Biore or MAC?

Biore is the more affordable option, as shoppers on this page frequently mention MAC for its high price point.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Biore or MAC?

Biore is the better choice for avoiding breakouts because reviewers note that MAC more often causes skin breakouts and irritation.

How do Biore and MAC compare regarding fragrance in their skincare products?

Biore products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients, whereas none of the MAC products on this page are fragrance-free. Reviewers often mention strong fragrance and sensitivity issues with MAC.

Which brand has products better suited for sensitive skin, Biore or MAC?

MAC has products on this page better suited for sensitive skin, such as Mineralize Timecheck Lotion and Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil, which achieve a High Lovi fit level for dry sensitive skin. In comparison, Biore products on this page generally receive Low or Caution fit levels for sensitive skin types.

When comparing their cleansing oils and makeup removers, how do Biore and MAC differ in performance across skin types?

Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil is rated High for sensitive skin, whereas MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil earns a High fit for dry and dry sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Biore stands out for ease of use and application, while MAC products on this page often contain fragrance.

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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