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SKIN1004 vs MAC

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

SKIN1004 and MAC are established beauty brands offering distinct approaches to daily wellness through targeted formulations. The Korean line centers on centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide within toners, moisturizers, sunscreens, and masks that suit dry and oily skin best. Meanwhile, the Canadian maker is beloved for thoughtful daily moisturizers and makeup removers crafted from balanced formulas that suit balanced skin best. While both provide reliable options for specific concerns like acne, dark spots, and aging, they differ fundamentally in their ingredient philosophies and regional heritage.

SKIN1004 is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2012 and owned by Goodai Global Inc. since 2024.

mk.co.krpitchbook.comtracxn.comgoodai-global.com

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 SKIN1004 and MAC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular SKIN1004 vs MAC products

People Say

SKIN1004MAC
  • Hydration and Moisture Levels Often 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”
    • “Gives my dehydrated skin a moisture surge — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask”
  • Soothing and Gentle Formulas Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “calmed my angry skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner”
    • “Eliminated redness on my easily irritated skin — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask”
    • “Calms irritation instantly — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad”
    • “Doesn't sting my eyes or blur my vision. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Makeup Compatibility and Base Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “grips foundation like a dream — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum”
  • Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “sunk in like a dream — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum”
    • “zero white cast — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum”
    • “Turns milky immediately and washes off completely. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
  • Cleansing Performance Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Removes waterproof mascara completely without needing a separate remover. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Emulsifies beautifully and rinses off without a greasy film. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara and sunscreen effortlessly. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
  • Exfoliation and Skin Smoothing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “skin feels super soft — SKIN1004 Zombie Pack”
    • “strong tightening effect — SKIN1004 Zombie Pack”
    • “petal-soft skin — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Price Point Concerns Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “Price is quite steep — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask”
    • “Pricey for daily use — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Scent and Fragrance Dislikes Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like wet dog — SKIN1004 Zombie Pack”
    • “Has a strong herbal/citrus scent I didn't enjoy. — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil”
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Has a scent that might irritate very sensitive noses. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Unnoticeable or Slow Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “didn't notice any tone change — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Cleansing Gel Foam”
    • “No drastic change yet — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Boosting Toner”
    • “Don't expect miracles — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”

Questions and answers

SKIN1004 or MAC: which is better?

SKIN1004 does better for soothing and gentle formulas as well as lightweight textures, while MAC stands out for hydration, makeup compatibility, and cleansing performance. Every product on the SKIN1004 page lists no fragrance, whereas MAC products on this page contain fragrance.

What is the difference between SKIN1004 and MAC?

SKIN1004 is better for soothing and gentle formulas with fragrance-free products, whereas MAC offers better hydration and makeup compatibility but features products with strong fragrance.

SKIN1004 or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

SKIN1004 does better for lightweight and fast-absorbing texture across the products on this page, whereas MAC does better for hydration and moisture levels. Lovi rates the SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream as having superior fit for dry skin.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

Which is more affordable, SKIN1004 or MAC?

MAC is noted for having a high price point, whereas price point concerns are listed as a downside for SKIN1004.

Which causes fewer breakouts, SKIN1004 or MAC?

SKIN1004 does better for soothing and gentle formulas than MAC, and Lovi rates several of its products on this page as having a superior fit for acne-prone skin.

Between SKIN1004 and MAC, which brand offers fragrance-free products?

SKIN1004 offers fragrance-free options, as every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas MAC includes fragrance in all of its products on this page.

Which brand was founded earlier, SKIN1004 or MAC, and in which countries?

SKIN1004 was founded in South Korea in 2012, while MAC was founded earlier in Canada in 1984.

How do SKIN1004 and MAC compare regarding soothing and gentle formulas versus hydration and moisture levels?

SKIN1004 does better for soothing and gentle formulas, while MAC does better for hydration and moisture levels. Reviewers note that SKIN1004 products on this page list no fragrance, whereas MAC products on this page feature fragrance.

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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