# Galderma vs MAC

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/galderma-vs-mac

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Spain.

Galderma and MAC are distinct skincare houses that cater to diverse complexions through specialized formulations. The Swiss brand specializes in [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/serum) featuring ingredients like Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC for acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin. Conversely, the Canadian brand focuses on daily moisturizers and makeup removers utilizing gentle ingredients that suit balanced skin best. While both offer targeted options like Mineralize Timecheck Lotion and Hyper Real Serumizer, they differ in their primary product types and ideal skin types.

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

[en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galderma)

MAC is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 1984 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994.

[elcompanies.com](https://www.elcompanies.com/en-gb/our-brands/mac) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Est%C3%A9e_Lauder_Companies)

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](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg794e450475).

### Popular Galderma vs MAC products

#### Galderma

- [Epiduo Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/galderma/epiduo-gel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Benzac AC 5](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit

#### MAC

- [Hyper Real Serumizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mac/hyper-real-serumizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — [€55.20 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.es/p/mac-hyper-real-serumizertm-skin-balancing-hydration-serum-30ml/14194687/)
- [Mineralize Timecheck Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mac/mineralize-timecheck-lotion/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mac/hyper-real-fresh-canvas-cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit

## People Say

Galderma

MAC

- Acne Clearance and Breakout Prevention Mostly Mentioned Not 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 noted Mostly 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 noted Mostly 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 Mentioned Not noted “scars are fading — Galderma Epiduo Gel” “angry redness tones down — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
- Severe Dryness and Peeling Mostly Mentioned Not noted “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- High Price Point Not noted Mostly Mentioned “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
- Intense Burning and Stinging Mostly Mentioned Not noted “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- Initial Purging and Breakouts Mostly Mentioned Not noted “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”

## Questions and answers

### Galderma or MAC: which is better?

Galderma is better for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page help clear breakouts effectively. However, reviewers note that Galderma may cause severe dryness and peeling, whereas MAC is better for lightweight hydration and makeup bases.

[The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/)

### What is the difference between Galderma and MAC?

Galderma is a better fit for acne clearance and breakout prevention, while MAC is a better fit for lightweight hydration and acting as a makeup base. The products on this page by Galderma help clear acne, but reviewers note they may cause severe dryness and peeling. [Benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) helps treat acne.

[The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/)

### Which is more affordable, Galderma or MAC?

MAC is more affordable, as a high price point is a noted downside for Galderma.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Galderma or MAC?

Galderma causes fewer breakouts because the products on this page help clear acne, whereas MAC reviewers frequently mention initial purging and breakouts.

[The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) [Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/)

### Which brand has products that are entirely fragrance-free, Galderma or MAC?

Galderma has products on this page that are entirely fragrance-free, as every product from the brand lists no fragrance in its ingredients.

### Which brand receives more complaints from reviewers about severe dryness and peeling?

Galderma receives more complaints from reviewers about severe dryness and peeling.

### When comparing the two brands, which one offers better results for redness reduction and scar fading?

Galderma offers better results for redness reduction and scar fading, as the products on this page help clear breakouts effectively with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. Reviewers note that Galderma excels in acne clearance and fading marks.

[The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/)

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020
- [Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/) Camellia japonica seed oil · Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007
- [Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/) Ceramide np · International Journal of Dermatology, 2008
- [Green tea extract reduces induction of p53 and apoptosis in UVB-irradiated human skin independent of transcriptional controls](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18631247/) Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Experimental Dermatology, 2009
- [Prevention and Reduction of Atrophic Acne Scars with Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in Subjects with Moderate or Severe Facial Acne: Results of a 6-Month Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Trial Using Intra-Individual Comparison](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/) Adapalene · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
- [Benzoyl peroxide treatment decreases Cutibacterium acnes in shoulder surgery, from skin incision until wound closure](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne: A Randomized Phase II Study of the First Triple-Combination Drug](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022
- [The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [A topical gel of tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene versus adapalene marketed gel in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34251536/) Adapalene · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Development of Multifunctional Cosmetic Cream Using Bioactive Materials from Streptomyces sp. T65 with Synthesized Mesoporous Silica Particles SBA-15](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32224894/) Silicon dioxide · Antioxidants, 2020
- [Self-Assembled Cubic Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles for Transdermal Delivery of Paeonol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26517086/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Medical Science Monitor, 2015
- [Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Molecules, 2023
- [Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33911590/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · Annals of Dermatology, 2019
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [Formulating octyl methoxycinnamate in hybrid lipid-silica nanoparticles: An innovative approach for UV skin protection](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32395645/) Silicon dioxide · Heliyon, 2020
- [A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/) Ceramide np · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne--results of a prospective, observational pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22585103/) Jojoba seed oil · Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 2012
- [Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel for moderate-to-severe acne: Efficacy and safety results from two randomized phase 3 trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37656094/) Adapalene · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023
- [Efficacy and safety of microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide and microencapsulated tretinoin for the treatment of acne vulgaris: Results from two phase 3 double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37356627/) Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoyl peroxide 25mg g · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023
- [Semi-Solid Dosage Forms Containing Pranoprofen-Loaded NLC as Topical Therapy for Local Inflammation: In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Evaluation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37367119/) Carbomer 940 · Gels, 2023
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Subclinical cutaneous inflammation remained after permeability barrier disruption enhances UV sensitivity by altering ER stress responses and topical pseudoceramide prevents them](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28631090/) Ceramide ng · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017
- [Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38344180/) Jojoba seed oil · Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024
- [Antiacne and antiblotch activities of a formulated combination of Aloe barbadensis leaf powder, Garcinia mangostana peel extract, and Camellia sinensis leaf extract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31239743/) Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
- [The efficacy study of the combination of tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3. A prospective, randomized controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28150423/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017
- [Partially purified paeoniflorin exerts protective effects on UV-induced DNA damage and reduces facial wrinkles in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16676123/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2006
- [Squalane as a Promising Agent Protecting UV-Induced Inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblast](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/) Squalane · Molecules, 2025
- [Effects of Investigational Moisturizers on the Skin Barrier and Microbiome following Exposure to Environmental Aggressors: A Randomized Clinical Trial and Ex Vivo Analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37763018/) Yeast extract · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid of the Stratum Corneum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/) Caprylic capric triglyceride · Life, 2023
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Butyrospermum parkii butter shea butter · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025

## The brands

- Swiss skincare: [Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/galderma)
- Canadian skincare: [MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/mac)

## More comparisons

- [SKIN1004 vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/skin1004-vs-galderma)
- [SKIN1004 vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/skin1004-vs-mac)
- [Anua vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/anua-vs-galderma)
- [Anua vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/anua-vs-mac)
- [Medicube vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/medicube-vs-galderma)
- [Medicube vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/medicube-vs-mac)
- [The Ordinary vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/the-ordinary-vs-galderma)
- [The Ordinary vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/the-ordinary-vs-mac)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-galderma)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-mac)
- [COSRX vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cosrx-vs-galderma)
- [COSRX vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cosrx-vs-mac)
- [CeraVe vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cerave-vs-galderma)
- [CeraVe vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/cerave-vs-mac)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-galderma)
- [La Roche-Posay vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-mac)
- [Dr. Althea vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/dr-althea-vs-galderma)
- [Dr. Althea vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/dr-althea-vs-mac)
- [Some By Mi vs Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/some-by-mi-vs-galderma)
- [Some By Mi vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/some-by-mi-vs-mac)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/galderma-vs-mac
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/galderma-vs-mac
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/galderma-vs-mac
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- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/galderma-vs-mac (this page)
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/galderma-vs-mac
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/galderma-vs-mac
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/galderma-vs-mac
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