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MAC vs Theramid

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

MAC and Theramid are distinguished skincare brands that cater to diverse dermatological needs through specialized formulations. The Canadian brand, established in 1984, offers reliable moisturizers and makeup removers that suit balanced skin best with gentle ingredients, while the Spanish brand, founded in 2022, provides advanced moisturizers and targeted serums that accommodate balanced, dry, combination, oily, and sensitive skin. Both manufacturers address specific concerns such as acne, dark spots, and aging through distinct approaches, differing primarily in their breadth of skin-type compatibility and the complexity of their engineered compositions.

MAC is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 1984 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994.

elcompanies.comen.wikipedia.org

Theramid is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 2022 and owned by Cosnova Group since 2026.

cosmeticsbusiness.com

This page compares some of the most popular MAC and Theramid products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular MAC vs Theramid products

People Say

MACTheramid
  • Texture and Skin Softening Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “the texture is a sophisticated, lightweight gel that absorbs almost instantly without leaving a sticky residue — Theramid Copper Peptide”
    • “Absorbs quickly — Theramid DERMA-PEPTIDES”
    • “Nice lightweight emulsion — Theramid Ceramide Treatment”
    • “petal-soft skin — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Non-Irritating and Gentle Formula Often MentionedOften 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”
    • “Suitable for sensitive skin — Theramid DERMA-PEPTIDES”
    • “incredibly gentle... I experienced zero redness or irritation — Theramid Copper Peptide”
  • Makeup Performance and Prep Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Firmness and Anti-Aging Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “Fine lines are less visible — Theramid DERMA-PEPTIDES”
    • “my skin feels incredibly fed and plump — Theramid Copper Peptide”
  • Radiance and Glow Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “lit-from-within look — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “instantly gives the skin a radiant glow and freshness — Theramid Copper Peptide”
  • High Price Point Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Didn't work better than cheaper options — Theramid Ceramide Treatment”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Fragrance and Scent Sensitivity Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Didn't like the scent — Theramid Ceramide Treatment”
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Skin Irritation and Breakouts Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Gave me massive texture and bumps — Theramid Ceramide Treatment”
    • “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”

Questions and answers

MAC or Theramid: which is better?

Neither brand is universally better, as MAC excels in makeup bases and radiance with scented formulas, while Theramid is better for fragrance-free restorative moisturizers and anti-aging care. Reviewers note that MAC products on this page feature strong fragrance, whereas Theramid products contain no fragrance.

What is the difference between MAC and Theramid?

MAC is known for its makeup bases and lightweight moisturizers that bring radiance and glow, whereas Theramid stands out with its restorative, soothing moisturizers that help with texture, skin softening, firmness, and anti-aging. Lovi shows that Theramid offers a Superior fit for dry sensitive skin with its Ceramide Treatment, while MAC includes fragrance in all products on this page compared to none in Theramid.

Scientific Reports, 2022International Journal of Dermatology, 2008

MAC or Theramid: which moisturizer is better?

Theramid is the better moisturizer brand for dry and sensitive skin on this page, with Ceramide Treatment reaching a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas MAC moisturizers on this page contain fragrance. Reviewers note that Theramid provides restorative and soothing moisturizers.

Scientific Reports, 2022International Journal of Dermatology, 2008

Which is more affordable, MAC or Theramid?

Theramid is the more affordable brand, as review themes note MAC has a high price point while Theramid features more budget-friendly pricing across the products on this page.

Which causes fewer breakouts, MAC or Theramid?

MAC is the better choice for avoiding breakouts because Theramid has more complaints about skin irritation and breakouts.

Which brand has products that are entirely free of fragrance, MAC or Theramid?

Theramid is the brand whose products on this page are entirely free of fragrance, whereas all MAC products on this page list fragrance.

How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between MAC and Theramid?

MAC was founded in 1984 in Canada, whereas Theramid was founded in 2022 in Spain.

Which brand performs better for texture and skin softening according to reviewers?

For texture and skin softening, Theramid performs better according to reviewers. Lovi rates Theramid's Ceramide Treatment with a Superior fit for dry sensitive skin.

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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