# MAC vs NIOD

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

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 NIOD are Canadian skincare brands owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. MAC is beloved for reliable moisturizers and makeup removers that suit balanced skin best, while the brand is known for thoughtful formulas with gentle and effective ingredients. NIOD is widely loved for advanced [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/serum) and balancing toners that suit mature, sensitive, and dry skin types best, featuring sophisticated formulas that deliver targeted results. Ultimately, the former offers a calm and measured foundation for daily maintenance, whereas the latter continues to redefine modern skincare through scientifically rigorous and thoughtful development.

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)

NIOD is a Canadian skincare brand founded in 2015 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 2021.

[elcompanies.com](https://www.elcompanies.com/en/news-and-media/newsroom/press-releases/2024/06-03-2024-114511824) [glossy.co](https://www.glossy.co/beauty/estee-lauder-companies-completes-acquisition-of-deciem-the-ordinary-niod-for-1-7-billion/) [niod.com](https://niod.com/en-us/niod-about.html) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/niod-beautys-smartest-cult-brand-hits-sephora)

This page compares some of the most popular MAC and NIOD 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=pg37e34f9e89).

### Popular MAC vs NIOD products

#### NIOD

- [Modulating Glucosides](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/niod/modulating-glucosides/for/mature-skin) — High fit
- [Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/niod/superoxide-dismutase-saccharide-mist/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit

#### 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

## Questions and answers

### MAC or NIOD: which is better?

NIOD is better for fragrance-free routines because every product on this page lists no fragrance, whereas all MAC products on this page contain fragrance. Shoppers also frequently mention that MAC products feature strong fragrance and high prices.

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

NIOD has a High Lovi fit for sensitive skin on this page and every product lists no fragrance, whereas MAC includes fragrance in all the products on this page and reviewers often mention strong fragrance and sensitivity.

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

Reviewers note that MAC products have a high price point, whereas NIOD products are generally positioned differently as specialized treatments. Both brands are owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

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

NIOD offers products on this page like Modulating Glucosides with a High fit for oily acne-prone skin, whereas MAC products on this page have an Average fit for acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin. Additionally, all NIOD products on this page list no fragrance, which helps reduce the risk of irritation compared to MAC products that all contain fragrance.

### Between MAC and NIOD, which brand's products all list no fragrance in their ingredients?

Between MAC and NIOD, NIOD is the brand where every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients. In contrast, all of the MAC products on this page include fragrance.

### How does the founding year of MAC compare to that of NIOD?

MAC was founded in 1984 in Canada, whereas NIOD was founded much later in 2015, also in Canada.

### Which brand has been owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. for a longer period of time based on these facts?

MAC has been owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. for a longer period, having been acquired in 1994 compared to NIOD which was acquired in 2021.

## 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
- [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
- [Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22584263/) Glucosides · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2012
- [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
- [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
- [Treatment of xerosis with a topical formulation containing glyceryl glucoside, natural moisturizing factors, and ceramide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22916312/) Glucosides · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2012
- [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
- [Topical application of superoxide dismutase mediated by HIV-TAT peptide attenuates UVB-induced damages in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27460952/) Superoxide dismutase · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2016
- [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
- [Effects of 1,3-propanediol associated, or not, with butylene glycol and/or glycerol on skin hydration and skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37699769/) Propanediol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 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
- [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
- [Use of the synthetic superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic EUK-134 to compensate for seasonal antioxidant deficiency by reducing pre-existing lipid peroxides at the human skin surface](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492138/) Superoxide dismutase · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2004
- [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
- [Redefining face contour with a novel anti-aging cosmetic product: an open-label, prospective clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29180884/) Pseudoalteromonas exopolysaccharides · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [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
- [Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20883290/) Sodium salicylate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010
- [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)
- Canadian skincare: [NIOD](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/niod)

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- [La Roche-Posay vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-mac)
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- [Dr. Althea vs MAC](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-althea-vs-mac)
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## 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

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