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Bioderma vs MAC

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

Bioderma and MAC are distinct beauty brands that cater to different complexion needs through thoughtful formulations. The French skincare brand founded in 1977 offers nourishing moisturizers, makeup removers, serums, and cleansers crafted with glycerin, suiting dry and combination skin best. Conversely, the Canadian brand founded in 1984 provides reliable daily moisturizers and makeup removers that suit balanced skin best with gentle and effective ingredients. Ultimately, while both labels offer standout items for targeted concerns, they differ in their primary ingredient focus and the specific skin types they naturally accommodate.

Bioderma is a French skincare brand founded in 1977 and owned by Jean-Noël Thorel Foundation since 2018.

bioderma.usnaos.com

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

Popular Bioderma vs MAC products

People Say

BiodermaMAC
  • Gentle and Non-Irritating Formula Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “doesn't sting my eyes — Bioderma Sensibio H2O”
    • “melts every bit of make up and SPF off — Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil”
    • “doesn't cause any irritation — Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil”
    • “Emulsifies beautifully and rinses off without a greasy film. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Makeup Base and Primer Qualities Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “lit-from-within look — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Keeps you shine free — Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner”
  • Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “healed my dry skin — Bioderma Sébium Hydra”
  • Cleansing and Makeup Removal Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “feels like water — Bioderma Sensibio H2O”
    • “I love that it's non-greasy and absorbs quickly. — Bioderma Pigmentbio Sensitive Areas”
    • “Removes waterproof mascara completely without needing a separate remover. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Price and Value Concerns Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “pricier than other brands — Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant”
    • “finished too quickly — Bioderma Hydrabio Serum”
    • “pricey for water — Bioderma Sensibio H2O”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Texture and Residue Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Don't expect miracles — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Felt sticky to me — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “requires a thorough follow-up — Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil”
  • Skin Irritation and Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Breaks me out, I got pimples from this. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Stings if it accidentally gets into the eyes. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “broke me out — Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume”

Questions and answers

Bioderma or MAC: which is better?

Bioderma is better for gentle, soothing care and barrier-repairing moisturizers, whereas MAC is known more for lightweight moisturizers, makeup bases, and primers.

What is the difference between Bioderma and MAC?

Bioderma is a French brand founded in 1977 that focuses on soothing and barrier-repairing skincare, while MAC is a Canadian brand founded in 1984 that is mainly known for lightweight moisturizers and makeup bases. Glycerin is a key ingredient used across the products on this page.

Bioderma or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

Bioderma offers a wider variety of moisturizers with strong soothing and barrier-repairing benefits, whereas MAC features lightweight options like the Hyper Real Serumizer. Lovi rates Bioderma's Sébium Hydra with High fit levels for dry and sensitive skin.

Which is more affordable, Bioderma or MAC?

Reviewers note that Bioderma faces price and value concerns, while MAC also has a high price point.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Bioderma or MAC?

Bioderma tends to cause fewer breakouts because reviewers report skin irritation and breakouts as an issue with MAC, whereas Bioderma is known for gentle, effective cleansers and soothing moisturizers.

How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of Bioderma and MAC compare?

Bioderma was founded in France in 1977 and is owned by the Jean-Noël Thorel Foundation, while MAC was founded in Canada in 1984 and is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Which brand has more fragrance-free products available on this page?

Bioderma has more fragrance-free products available on this page, with 9 of its 20 products listing no fragrance compared to none for MAC.

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

According to its brand-focused routines, Bioderma fits dry skin, combination skin, and oily acne-prone skin 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?

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