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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 skincare brands founded in Spain in 1975 and Canada in 1984, respectively. The former offers advanced moisturizers, sunscreens, serums, and eye products crafted for sensitive and acne-prone skin, while the latter provides reliable moisturizers and makeup removers tailored best to balanced skin. Standout solutions from the first brand include Fusion Water, Eryfotona Actinica, and K-Ox Eyes, whereas the second brand features the Mineralize Timecheck Lotion, Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil, and Hyper Real Serumizer. Ultimately, they differ in their heritage and ideal skin types, with both delivering thoughtful daily care.

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?

Both brands have their strengths, but ISDIN is a better fit for texture and finish, while MAC is better for hydration, plumping, and makeup compatibility.

What is the difference between ISDIN and MAC?

ISDIN focuses heavily on sunscreens and is well-liked for its ultralight textures, while MAC offers products like makeup removers and lightweight moisturizers that reviewers often praise as makeup bases. Lovi rates ISDIN with Superior fit levels for sensitive skin and dark spots, whereas MAC provides High fits mainly for dry and sensitive skin types.

ISDIN or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, the products on this page from both brands offer options for different skin needs, though reviewers note that MAC excels in hydration and plumping while ISDIN is often chosen for its lightweight feel. Lovi rates the ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate and Hyaluronic Moisture at an Average fit for dry skin, while MAC products like the Mineralize Timecheck Lotion achieve a High fit for dry skin.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, ISDIN or MAC?

MAC is generally more affordable, while ISDIN carries a high price point that reviewers often mention for its products.

Which causes fewer breakouts, ISDIN or MAC?

MAC causes fewer breakouts and skin irritation according to reviewers on the page. ISDIN has more reports of skin irritation and breakouts.

Which brand has products that are better suited for mature skin, ISDIN or MAC?

For mature skin, ISDIN features products on this page with a Superior Lovi fit level like Eryfotona Actinica, whereas MAC products on this page have an Average Lovi fit level.

How do the founding years and parent companies of ISDIN and MAC compare?

ISDIN was founded in Spain in 1975 and is owned by Puig, while MAC was founded in Canada in 1984 and has been owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994.

Which brand has a higher percentage of products that do not contain fragrance?

ISDIN has a higher percentage of products that do not contain fragrance, with 3 of its 8 products on this page listing no fragrance. In contrast, none of the 3 MAC products on this page are fragrance-free.

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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