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Good Molecules vs MAC

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

Good Molecules and MAC are two distinct beauty companies founded in the Americas, with the former being an American skincare brand established in 2019 and the latter being a Canadian brand established in 1984. Good Molecules is cherished for targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, revitalizing eye products, and gentle exfoliants featuring glycerin and hyaluronic acid, while MAC is beloved for reliable daily moisturizers and makeup removers crafted from carefully balanced formulas. The first brand suits dry skin and oily skin best through targeted formulations that address acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin, whereas the second brand suits balanced skin best with gentle and effective ingredients for similar specific concerns. Ultimately, both differ as the American brand delivers balanced care utilizing barrier-restoring glycerin and wrinkle-extending hyaluronic acid, while the Canadian brand provides a calm and measured foundation for daily maintenance.

Good Molecules is an American skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by Beautylish, Inc..

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

Popular Good Molecules vs MAC products

People Say

Good MoleculesMAC
  • Lightweight and non-greasy texture 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 quickly... zero irritation or tacky feeling — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
  • Affordable price and great value Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “best value for money — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
    • “great value — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
  • Layers well and works with makeup Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “works well under makeup — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
  • Gentle formula and soothing care Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “no skin purging — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
    • “leaves my face feeling clean without the drying — Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel”
    • “Does not cause breakouts — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Doesn't sting my eyes or blur my vision. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Improves skin texture and smoothness Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “skin looks like brand new baby skin — Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment”
    • “Leaves skin "baby soft," "super smooth," "polished feel" — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
    • “softened fine lines — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
    • “petal-soft skin — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Hydrates and plumps the skin Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “skin appears smooth and supple — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
    • “Skin feels bouncy — Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum”
    • “Leaves skin feeling soft and supple, never tight. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • High price point Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Unpleasant scent or scent expectations Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Strong bergamot smell — Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum”
    • “weird faint smell — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
    • “smelled of glycolic acid — Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment”
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Slow, no, or limited results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “didn't really see a difference — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
    • “No change in circles — Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel”
    • “Don't expect miracles — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”

Questions and answers

Good Molecules or MAC: which is better?

Good Molecules is better for affordability and a wide selection of gentle serums, while MAC is known for makeup bases and lightweight moisturizers. The products on this page for Good Molecules include options that help fade dark spots and hydrate the skin.

What is the difference between Good Molecules and MAC?

Good Molecules offers a wide range of affordable serums and daily skincare with no added fragrance, whereas MAC focuses on makeup prep and lightweight moisturizers that frequently include fragrance.

Good Molecules or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

Good Molecules offers affordable and hydrating moisturizers, whereas MAC is known for lightweight moisturizers that often include fragrance. Lovi rates the Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer as Superior for dry skin and dry sensitive skin.

Which is more affordable, Good Molecules or MAC?

Good Molecules is the more affordable brand on this page, as reviewers often mention its affordable and great value serums and moisturizers, whereas reviewers note a high price point for MAC. The products on this page for Good Molecules include budget-friendly options like Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Squalane Oil.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Good Molecules or MAC?

Good Molecules may cause occasional breakouts as reviewers note this sometimes, whereas the products on this page for MAC do not have this reported. Lovi rates the acne-prone skin fit for Good Molecules serums and treatments from Average to Superior depending on the product, while MAC does not list any fit levels as High for acne-prone skin.

Which brand has more products without fragrance, Good Molecules or MAC?

Good Molecules has more products without fragrance, as every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients compared to none of the MAC products on this page.

What are the skin types that Good Molecules fits best according to its brand-focused routines?

According to its brand-focused routines, Good Molecules fits dry skin, oily skin, and mature skin best.

When was Good Molecules founded compared to MAC?

Good Molecules was founded in 2019 in the United States, whereas MAC was founded earlier in 1984 in Canada.

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.

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