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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 that shape daily regimens through targeted formulations. Founded in 2019, the Korean label utilizes hyaluronic acid, heartleaf, and niacinamide within its moisturizers, toners, serums, and cleansers to best suit oily, acne-prone skin and dark spots. Conversely, the Canadian brand established in 1984 is beloved for reliable moisturizers and makeup removers crafted to support balanced skin with gentle ingredients. Ultimately, both offer specialized standout products for mature skin and specific concerns while differing in their core botanical emphases and historical roots.

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 is often preferred by shoppers for its pricing and volume value, whereas MAC is noted for its makeup bases, primers, and lightweight moisturizers. However, the products on this page from Anua are fragrance-free, while MAC products contain fragrance.

What is the difference between Anua and MAC?

Anua focuses on fragrance-free skincare with key ingredients like heartleaf and niacinamide, whereas MAC includes fragrance in its products on this page. Reviewers often mention Anua for pricing and volume value, while MAC is frequently noted for makeup bases and primers.

Which is more affordable, Anua or MAC?

Anua offers better pricing and volume value than MAC across the products on this page. Reviewers frequently note MAC for its high price point.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Anua or MAC?

Anua is generally better for breakout-prone skin, as MAC has review themes noting severe breakouts and clogging. Anua features a wide variety of cleansers and treatments tailored for oily and acne-prone skin with High or Superior fit levels.

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

Anua has more fragrance-free products, as every item on its page lists no fragrance, whereas none of the MAC products on this page are fragrance-free.

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

According to its brand-focused routines, Anua fits oily acne-prone skin, skin with dark spots, and dry skin best.

How does the morning routine for dry skin using Anua products differ from its evening routine?

The morning routine for dry skin using Anua products includes a cleanser, a hydrating toner, a moisturizer, and an SPF, while the evening routine replaces the SPF with a pre-cleanser and a serum or treatment. Additionally, the evening routine may feature an optional weekly mask.

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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