# MAC vs Catrice

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/mac-vs-catrice

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Kingdom.

MAC and Catrice are distinguished beauty houses that offer refined everyday skincare solutions. The Canadian pioneer, established in 1984, is beloved for thoughtful moisturizers and makeup removers utilizing gentle ingredients that suit balanced skin best. Meanwhile, the German innovator, founded in 20th-century markets, is celebrated for advanced eye products and sophisticated formulas that cater to combination, oily, and normal skin types. While both deliver reliable daily performance through carefully balanced compositions, they differ primarily in their targeted treatments and distinct geographic origins.

MAC is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 1984 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994.

[elcompanies.com](https://www.elcompanies.com/en-gb/our-brands/mac) [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Est%C3%A9e_Lauder_Companies)

Catrice is a German skincare brand founded in 2004 and owned by cosnova.

[catricecosmetics.com](https://www.catricecosmetics.com/pages/about)

This page compares some of the most popular MAC and Catrice products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pgebe5838d75).

### Popular MAC vs Catrice products

#### MAC

- [Hyper Real Serumizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/mac/hyper-real-serumizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — [£28.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C1T4KQLC?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Mineralize Timecheck Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/mac/mineralize-timecheck-lotion/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/mac/hyper-real-fresh-canvas-cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit

#### Catrice

- [Under Eye Brightener](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/catrice/under-eye-brightener/for/dry-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### MAC or Catrice: which is better?

Neither brand is universally better, as MAC offers a wider variety of lightweight moisturizers and makeup bases while Catrice provides fragrance-free options for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that MAC products have a high price point and strong fragrance, whereas Catrice features a fragrance-free formula on this page.

### What is the difference between MAC and Catrice?

MAC offers a larger range of products on this page including moisturizers, cleansers, and primers, whereas Catrice features just an under eye brightener. Shoppers often note that MAC products have a higher price point and strong fragrance, while Catrice's products on this page list no fragrance.

### Which is more affordable, MAC or Catrice?

Catrice is more affordable, whereas shoppers often mention a high price point for MAC products on this page.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, MAC or Catrice?

Catrice may be the better choice because the products on this page list no fragrance, whereas all MAC products on this page contain fragrance and may cause sensitivity. For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates MAC products like Mineralize Timecheck Lotion as High, and Catrice Under Eye Brightener as Average.

### Which brand uses fragrance in all its featured products, MAC or Catrice?

MAC uses fragrance in all the products on this page, while every Catrice product on this page lists no fragrance.

### When was Catrice founded compared to MAC, and which company owns each brand?

Catrice was founded in 2004 in Germany by cosnova, whereas MAC started earlier in 1984 in Canada and has been owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1994.

### How does the Lovi fit level for dry skin compare between MAC's Mineralize Timecheck Lotion and Catrice's Under Eye Brightener?

MAC's Mineralize Timecheck Lotion has a High Lovi fit level for dry skin, matching the High fit level of Catrice's Under Eye Brightener. Both products are well-suited for dry skin types according to the page ratings.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Skin delivery of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and hyaluronic acid loaded nano-transfersomes for antioxidant and anti-aging effects in UV radiation induced skin damage](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28155509/) Sodium hyaluronate · Drug Delivery, 2017
- [Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/) Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/) Camellia japonica seed oil · Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007
- [Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/) Ceramide np · International Journal of Dermatology, 2008
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Green tea extract reduces induction of p53 and apoptosis in UVB-irradiated human skin independent of transcriptional controls](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18631247/) Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Experimental Dermatology, 2009
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009698/) Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024
- [Self-Assembled Cubic Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles for Transdermal Delivery of Paeonol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26517086/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Medical Science Monitor, 2015
- [Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Molecules, 2023
- [Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33911590/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · Annals of Dermatology, 2019
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/) Ceramide np · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne--results of a prospective, observational pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22585103/) Jojoba seed oil · Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 2012
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Subclinical cutaneous inflammation remained after permeability barrier disruption enhances UV sensitivity by altering ER stress responses and topical pseudoceramide prevents them](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28631090/) Ceramide ng · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017
- [Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38344180/) Jojoba seed oil · Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024
- [Antiacne and antiblotch activities of a formulated combination of Aloe barbadensis leaf powder, Garcinia mangostana peel extract, and Camellia sinensis leaf extract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31239743/) Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
- [The efficacy study of the combination of tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3. A prospective, randomized controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28150423/) Acetyl hexapeptide-8 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017
- [Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/) Bisabolol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010
- [Partially purified paeoniflorin exerts protective effects on UV-induced DNA damage and reduces facial wrinkles in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16676123/) Paeonia albiflora flower extract · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2006
- [Squalane as a Promising Agent Protecting UV-Induced Inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblast](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/) Squalane · Molecules, 2025
- [Effects of Investigational Moisturizers on the Skin Barrier and Microbiome following Exposure to Environmental Aggressors: A Randomized Clinical Trial and Ex Vivo Analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37763018/) Yeast extract · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023
- [Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9706379/) Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998
- [Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid of the Stratum Corneum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/) Caprylic capric triglyceride · Life, 2023
- [Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/) Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Butyrospermum parkii butter shea butter · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025

## The brands

- Canadian skincare: [MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/mac)
- German skincare: [Catrice](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/catrice)

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- [La Roche-Posay vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-mac)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Catrice](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-catrice)
- [Dr. Althea vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-althea-vs-mac)
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- [Some By Mi vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/some-by-mi-vs-mac)
- [Some By Mi vs Catrice](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/some-by-mi-vs-catrice)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/mac-vs-catrice
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/mac-vs-catrice (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/mac-vs-catrice
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