🇪🇸Spain

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 established skincare brands offering thoughtful daily care, with the Japanese line founded in 1980 and the Canadian label established in 1984. Biore is known for its sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers suited for sensitive and combination skin, while MAC is recognized for its moisturizers and makeup removers crafted for balanced skin. The former relies on effective formulas featuring targeted solutions like UV Aqua Rich, Makeup Remover Perfect Oil, and Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser, whereas the latter utilizes balanced ingredients including Mineralize Timecheck Lotion, Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil, and Hyper Real Serumizer. Ultimately, both brands differ through their distinct ownership, specific ingredient approaches, and tailored suitability for varying skin types.

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 their strengths, as Biore products on this page list no fragrance while MAC excels in texture, finish, and makeup removal. Reviewers note that MAC items often feature strong fragrance and a high price point, whereas Biore offers better ease of use and deep cleaning.

What is the difference between Biore and MAC?

Biore products on this page list no fragrance, whereas all MAC products contain fragrance. Reviewers note that Biore does better for deep cleaning, while MAC excels in texture, finish, and makeup removal.

Which is more affordable, Biore or MAC?

Biore is more affordable than MAC, as MAC products on this page have a high price point.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Biore or MAC?

Biore does better for avoiding skin breakouts and irritation compared to MAC.

Do Biore products contain fragrance compared to MAC skincare?

Biore products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients, whereas all MAC skincare products on this page contain fragrance.

Which brand has products specifically well-suited for sensitive skin, Biore or MAC?

Biore has products on this page that are a High fit for sensitive skin, such as Makeup Remover Perfect Oil. MAC also features options like Mineralize Timecheck Lotion that achieve a High fit for sensitive skin.

Where were Biore and MAC founded and who owns them?

Biore was founded in 1980 in Japan and is owned by Kao Corporation, while MAC was founded in 1984 in Canada and is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

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?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play