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RoC vs MAC

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

RoC and MAC are distinct beauty brands with dedicated followers, where the former is a French skincare brand founded in 1957 and the latter is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 1984. RoC is beloved for expertly formulated serums, eye products, moisturizers, cleansers, and more, enriched with proven ingredients like glycerin and retinol, while MAC is beloved for its thoughtful approach to daily skincare, offering reliable moisturizers and makeup removers crafted from carefully balanced formulas. The former brand suits mature skin and skin with dark spots best, owing to targeted formulations, whereas the latter suits balanced skin best, supported by gentle and effective ingredients. They differ because the French brand relies on potent active ingredients to visibly address signs of aging and dark spots, while the Canadian brand provides a calm and measured foundation for daily maintenance.

RoC is a French skincare brand founded in 1957 and owned by Bridgepoint Group plc since 2024.

en.wikipedia.orgprnewswire.combeautymatter.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 RoC and MAC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular RoC vs MAC products

People Say

RoCMAC
  • Non-Greasy and Lightweight Formula 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”
    • “absorbs nicely — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
  • Makeup Base and Primer Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Wrinkle and Fine Line Reduction Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “wrinkles look less deep — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
    • “Fine lines definitely softer — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
    • “diminished my forehead lines — RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum”
  • Gentleness on Sensitive Skin 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”
    • “doesn't leave my skin feeling tight — RoC BARRIER RENEW® GEL-TO-FOAM CLEANSER”
  • Makeup Removal and Cleansing Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Removes waterproof mascara completely without needing a separate remover. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Leaves skin feeling soft and supple, never tight. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “lathers a lot — RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks”
  • Skin Texture and Smoothing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “face looked smoother — RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks”
    • “skin feels silky smooth — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
    • “skin feels like silk — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum”
    • “petal-soft skin — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • High Price Point Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “small bottle — RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Strong Fragrance and Scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like perfume — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
    • “smell is too strong — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum”
    • “perfume smell is too strong — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream”
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Skin Irritation and Burning Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Stings if it accidentally gets into the eyes. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “caused redness and stinging — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”

Questions and answers

RoC or MAC: which is better?

RoC and MAC both have strengths depending on your skincare goals, with RoC focusing on anti-aging ingredients like retinol and vitamin C while MAC excels in lightweight moisturizers and makeup bases. For reducing fine lines and wrinkles, the products on this page from RoC generally fit best.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

What is the difference between RoC and MAC?

RoC focuses on anti-aging with ingredients like retinol to reduce wrinkles, while MAC is known for lightweight moisturizers, makeup bases, and cleansing oils. Reviewers note that RoC excels in wrinkle reduction and skin smoothing, whereas MAC performs better as a non-greasy makeup base and primer.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

RoC or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, RoC offers options like the Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream with a High fit for mature skin, while MAC features the Mineralize Timecheck Lotion with a High fit for dry and sensitive skin. RoC's retinol-based products help with wrinkle reduction, whereas MAC's formulas focus more on lightweight hydration and makeup preparation.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000

Which is more affordable, RoC or MAC?

MAC is noted for having a high price point, whereas RoC is sometimes noted for good value. However, high price point is also listed among RoC's negative review themes.

Which causes fewer breakouts, RoC or MAC?

For breakouts, the products on this page from both RoC and MAC offer options, though RoC features a BARRIER RENEW GEL-TO-FOAM CLEANSER rated High for acne-prone skin.

Which brand was founded earlier and in which country, RoC or MAC?

RoC was founded earlier than MAC, having started in France in 1957 compared to MAC launching in Canada in 1984.

How many RoC products contain fragrance compared to MAC products?

On this page, 10 of 12 RoC products list no fragrance while 2 contain it, whereas all 3 MAC products list fragrance. This means RoC offers more fragrance-free options than MAC among the products on this page.

Which brand offers a cleansing oil or gel-to-foam cleanser for dry sensitive skin?

Both RoC and MAC offer a cleanser for dry sensitive skin, as Lovi rates the BARRIER RENEW GEL-TO-FOAM CLEANSER from RoC and the Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil from MAC as High fit.

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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