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Elemis vs MAC

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

Elemis and MAC are established beauty brands that offer distinct approaches to daily maintenance. Elemis is a British skincare brand known for nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and refreshing toners anchored by hydrating glycerin and softening shea, while MAC is a Canadian brand beloved for reliable moisturizers and makeup removers crafted from carefully balanced formulas. The former suits mature skin and dry skin best, whereas the latter suits balanced skin best. They differ primarily in their specialized ingredient profiles, as the British brand focuses on restorative botanical hydration while the Canadian brand provides a calm and measured foundation for everyday routines.

Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.

elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org

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

Popular Elemis vs MAC products

People Say

ElemisMAC
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Leaves skin feeling soft and supple, never tight. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
    • “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
    • “Emulsifies beautifully and rinses off without a greasy film. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Makeup Base and Primer Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Sits nicely under make up... perfect base. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Sensitive Skin Care 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”
    • “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
  • Makeup Removal Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Removes waterproof mascara completely without needing a separate remover. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “melts waterproof mascara — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
  • Anti-Aging and Firming Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “My neck doesn't sag... plumps my skin to look more youthful. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
  • Price and Value Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
    • “very expensive — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “A bit expensive — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Strong Scent and Fragrance Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Miscellaneous Complaints Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “didn't see a difference — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “tends to flake off — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
    • “Don't expect miracles — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “contains glitter — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”

Questions and answers

Elemis or MAC: which is better?

Elemis is a better fit for mature and dry skin types, while MAC excels in hydration, makeup removal, and sensitive skin care based on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Elemis provides smoother skin texture, whereas MAC offers better makeup bases and primers.

What is the difference between Elemis and MAC?

Elemis is best known for its hydrating moisturizers and smoother skin texture, whereas MAC excels in makeup bases, primers, and sensitive skin care. Reviewers frequently note that both brands share a high price point, but Elemis focuses heavily on mature and dry skin routines.

Elemis or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

MAC does better for hydration and moisture, while Elemis excels in texture and absorption across the moisturizers on this page. Reviewers frequently note that Elemis offers luxurious and lightweight moisturizer textures, whereas MAC is praised for lightweight moisturizers.

Which is more affordable, Elemis or MAC?

Both Elemis and MAC offer similar price and value, as high price points are noted for the products on this page for both brands.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Elemis or MAC?

Neither brand clearly causes fewer breakouts, but the products on this page for both Elemis and MAC generally show average to high fit levels for acne-prone skin types.

Which brand has been around longer, Elemis or MAC?

MAC has been around longer, having been founded in 1984 in Canada, whereas Elemis was founded in 1989 in the United Kingdom.

Do Elemis and MAC products contain fragrance?

Yes, Elemis and MAC products on this page contain fragrance. Most Elemis products on this page list fragrance, while all products listed for MAC contain fragrance.

What skin types do Elemis skincare routines fit best?

Elemis skincare routines fit best for mature skin, dry skin, and dry sensitive skin. The products on this page help provide hydration and moisture for these skin types.

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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