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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 esteemed beauty houses, with the British brand established in 1989 and the Canadian counterpart founded in 1984. Both cater to distinct complexions, as Elemis relies on glycerin and shea butter to comfort mature and dry sensitive skin, whereas MAC utilizes balanced formulas to support balanced skin. Each label delivers targeted solutions, such as the former's Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and the latter's Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil. Ultimately, they differ through the British brand's deeply conditioning approach versus the Canadian brand's measured foundation for daily maintenance.

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 better for texture and absorption, while MAC does better for hydration and sensitive skin care.

What is the difference between Elemis and MAC?

Elemis is a UK brand known for smoother skin texture and a wide range of products tailored for mature and dry sensitive skin, whereas MAC is a Canadian brand focused on makeup bases, primers, and hydration.

Elemis or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, MAC does better for hydration and moisture, while Elemis is noted for its luxurious texture and lightweight feel. Glycerin is a key ingredient across the products on this page.

Which is more affordable, Elemis or MAC?

Elemis and MAC are equal in price and value on the products on this page.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Elemis or MAC?

Neither Elemis nor MAC has specific page data showing that one causes fewer breakouts than the other. Both brands include products with a mix of average and high fit levels for acne-prone skin.

How does the founding year and parent company differ between Elemis and MAC?

Elemis was founded in the United Kingdom in 1989 and is owned by L'Occitane Group, while MAC was founded in Canada in 1984 and is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Which brand has more products listed on the comparison page, Elemis or MAC?

Elemis has significantly more products listed on the comparison page than MAC, featuring twenty-two options compared to MAC's three.

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

According to its brand-focused routines, Elemis fits mature skin, dry sensitive skin, and skin with dark spots best.

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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