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Anua vs MAC

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

Anua and MAC are distinct skincare houses offering targeted formulations for daily routines. The Korean label features soothing moisturizers, toners, serums, and cleansers powered by hyaluronic acid, heartleaf, and niacinamide, which suit oily and acne-prone skin best. Meanwhile, the Canadian brand provides reliable moisturizers and makeup removers crafted for balanced skin. While the former focuses on high-performance botanical extracts and active compounds, the latter delivers a measured foundation for everyday maintenance.

Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders 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 Anua and MAC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Anua vs MAC products

People Say

AnuaMAC
  • Hydration and Skin Glow Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
    • “glass-like glow — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
    • “lit-from-within look — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • No White Cast and Makeup Base Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “zero white cast — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
  • Non-stripping and Gentle Finish Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “didn't sensitize my skin — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
    • “No stinging on sensitive skin — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
    • “Leaves skin feeling soft and supple, never tight. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Lightweight Hydration and Glow Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Emulsifies beautifully and rinses off without a greasy film. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Doesn't sting my eyes or blur my vision. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Oil Control and Skin Smoothing Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “petal-soft skin — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “reduces excess oil — Anua Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam”
  • Makeup Removal and Compatibility Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Removes waterproof mascara completely without needing a separate remover. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Melted my waterproof mascara — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
  • Pricing and Volume Value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “price feels way too high — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
    • “small size, the price is expensive — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
    • “bottle too small — Anua NANO RETINOL™ 0.3% + NIACIN RENEWING SERUM”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Severe Breakouts and Clogging Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Breaks me out, I got pimples from this. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
  • Eye and Fragrance Irritation Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Made my vision blurry for an hour — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
    • “Smell is too strong — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
    • “Too drying for my dry skin — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”

Questions and answers

Anua or MAC: which is better?

Anua offers better pricing and volume value than MAC, while MAC performs better for makeup removal and compatibility. Reviewers frequently mention that Anua has no fragrance listed across the products on this page, whereas MAC products on this page contain fragrance.

What is the difference between Anua and MAC?

Anua focuses on affordable, fragrance-free products that fit oily and acne-prone skin well, whereas MAC offers makeup bases and lightweight moisturizers but comes with a higher price point and strong fragrance. Reviewers note that Anua is better for pricing and volume value, while MAC excels in makeup removal compatibility and oil control.

Anua or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

For moisturizers, Anua is a better choice because the products on this page have fragrance-free formulas and better pricing and volume value. Reviewers note that MAC moisturizers often feature strong fragrance and sensitivity.

Which is more affordable, Anua or MAC?

Anua offers better pricing and volume value compared to MAC, which is noted for a high price point.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Anua or MAC?

Anua causes fewer breakouts, as review themes note that severe breakouts and clogging are associated with MAC while Anua offers fragrance-free formulas that focus on soothing and barrier support.

Which brand has more products that are fragrance-free, Anua or MAC?

Anua has more products that are fragrance-free, as every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients. In contrast, none of the products on the MAC page are fragrance-free, with all of them containing fragrance.

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

MAC was founded earlier in 1984 in Canada, whereas Anua was founded in 2019 in South Korea.

Which brand has a product with a 'Superior' Lovi fit level for dry skin and dry sensitive skin, Anua or MAC?

Anua features products with a Superior Lovi fit level for dry skin and dry sensitive skin, whereas MAC does not reach this fit level for these skin types on this page.

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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