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ISDIN vs MAC

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

ISDIN and MAC are two distinct skincare brands founded in Spain and Canada respectively, offering thoughtfully crafted formulas for daily care. The Spanish brand is beloved for its sophisticated moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, targeted serums, and soothing eye products, while the Canadian brand is known for its reliable moisturizers and makeup removers. Both lines suit different complexions best, with the former providing gentle and nourishing care for sensitive and dry skin, and the latter supporting balanced skin with gentle and effective ingredients. Ultimately, they differ in their heritage and specific product selections, as the former features standout items like Fusion Water, Eryfotona Actinica, and K-Ox Eyes, whereas the latter offers the Mineralize Timecheck Lotion, Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil, and Hyper Real Serumizer.

ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.

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

Popular ISDIN vs MAC products

People Say

ISDINMAC
  • Hydration and plumping Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Absorbs in a snap — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Emulsifies beautifully and rinses off without a greasy film. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
    • “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
  • Makeup compatibility Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “foundation glides on — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Sits beautifully under makeup — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Reduces appearance of pores — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
  • Texture and finish Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
  • Sensitive skin friendliness Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
    • “Does not cause breakouts — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
    • “Doesn't sting my eyes or blur my vision. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • High price point Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “high cost — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “too expensive — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
  • Fragrance and scent issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “lingering headache inducing effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “scent is overpowering — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”
    • “Has a scent that might irritate very sensitive noses. — MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil”
  • Lack of results or efficacy Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “don't see result — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “Not hydrating enough in winter — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
    • “Don't expect miracles — MAC Mineralize Timecheck Lotion”
  • Skin irritation and breakouts Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “mild redness or irritation — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “I think the serum is too strong for my face as it has burned and left very rough and a peeling face. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
    • “slight peeling — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
    • “caused acne — MAC Hyper Real Serumizer”

Questions and answers

ISDIN or MAC: which is better?

ISDIN is better for texture and finish, while MAC is better for hydration and plumping as well as makeup compatibility. Reviewers note that both brands share a high price point.

What is the difference between ISDIN and MAC?

ISDIN focuses on ultralight, skin-friendly sunscreens with a Lovi fit level of Superior for mature and sensitive skin, while MAC is known for makeup bases and primers with a High fit level for dry sensitive skin. Reviewers note that ISDIN excels in texture and finish, whereas MAC performs better in hydration and plumping.

ISDIN or MAC: which moisturizer is better?

For moisturizers on this page, ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate has an Average fit for dry skin, while MAC Hyper Real Serumizer also has an Average fit for dry skin. Reviewers note that MAC offers better hydration and plumping, whereas ISDIN stands out for its texture and finish.

Which is more affordable, ISDIN or MAC?

Both ISDIN and MAC are noted by reviewers for having a high price point, so neither brand stands out as more affordable.

Which causes fewer breakouts, ISDIN or MAC?

When it comes to skin irritation and breakouts, ISDIN does better than MAC according to reviewer themes on this page. For acne-prone skin, ISDIN products like Eryfotona Actinica have a High fit level.

Which brand has more fragrance-free products, ISDIN or MAC?

ISDIN has more fragrance-free products than MAC among the items on this page, with 3 of its 8 products listing no fragrance compared to none of the MAC products. Reviewers note that both brands share issues with strong fragrance and scent.

Which brand is older, ISDIN or MAC?

ISDIN is the older brand, having been founded in Spain in 1975, while MAC was founded in Canada in 1984.

Which brand is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.?

MAC is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994, whereas ISDIN is owned by Puig.

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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