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ISDIN vs MAC

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

ISDIN and MAC are two established beauty brands rooted in dedicated formulation, with the former originating in Spain in 1975 and the latter in Canada in 1984. ISDIN is beloved for its sophisticated moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, targeted serums, and soothing eye products, suiting dry skin and combination skin best. Conversely, MAC is known for its thoughtful approach to daily skincare, offering reliable moisturizers and makeup removers that suit balanced skin best. While both brands feature standout products tailored for acne-prone skin, skin with dark spots, and mature skin, they differ fundamentally in their ingredient philosophies and ideal skin types.

ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.

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

Popular ISDIN vs MAC products

People Say

ISDINMAC
  • Hydration and plumping Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Emulsifies beautifully and rinses off without a greasy film. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
  • Makeup compatibility Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
  • Texture and finish Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
  • Sensitive skin friendliness Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
    • “Does not cause breakouts — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Doesn't sting my eyes or blur my vision. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • High price point Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “high cost — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Fragrance and scent issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “lingering headache inducing effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Has a scent that might irritate very sensitive noses. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Lack of results or efficacy Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “don't see result — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “Not hydrating enough in winter — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
    • “Don't expect miracles — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Skin irritation and breakouts Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “mild redness or irritation — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “I think the serum is too strong for my face as it has burned and left very rough and a peeling face. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
    • “slight peeling — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
    • “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”

Questions and answers

ISDIN or MAC: which is better?

ISDIN products on this page have a Superior Lovi fit for mature and sensitive skin with sunscreens like Eryfotona Actinica, while MAC is praised for its makeup bases and lightweight moisturizers. Both brands share a high price point, but reviewers note ISDIN for its ultralight sunscreens and MAC for hydration and plumping.

What is the difference between ISDIN and MAC?

ISDIN offers sunscreens and serums that reviewers praise for their ultralight feel and texture, whereas MAC features makeup removers and lightweight moisturizers that reviewers highlight for their makeup bases and compatibility. ISDIN products on this page have a High fit for dry, combination, and acne-prone skin types.

ISDIN or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, the products on this page show that MAC is better for hydration and plumping, while ISDIN offers options with varying fit levels like Hyaluronic Concentrate for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, ISDIN or MAC?

Both ISDIN and MAC are often noted by reviewers for having a high price point, so neither brand is clearly more affordable. Reviewers mostly mention high prices for MAC and often mention them for ISDIN across the products on this page.

Which causes fewer breakouts, ISDIN or MAC?

MAC is unlikely to cause as many breakouts as ISDIN, as skin irritation and breakouts are a noted issue for ISDIN while MAC does not share this drawback on this page. Lovi rates MAC with an average fit for acne-prone skin.

Which brand has more products listed on the page, ISDIN or MAC?

ISDIN has more products listed on this page than MAC, with eight skincare items compared to MAC's three. Reviewers often mention ISDIN for ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers, while MAC is frequently noted for makeup bases and primers.

Do both ISDIN and MAC offer products suitable for mature skin?

Yes, both ISDIN and MAC offer products suitable for mature skin, with Lovi fit levels ranging from Average to Superior depending on the specific product. For example, ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica has a Superior fit for mature skin, while products like ISDIN K-Ox Eyes and MAC Hyper Real Serumizer have a High or Average fit.

How many ISDIN products on the page list no fragrance compared to MAC?

On this page, 3 of 8 ISDIN products list no fragrance, whereas none of the 3 MAC products do.

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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