What does Buffet do?Buffet is a multitasking water-based serum which cleverly targets multiple signs of skin ageing and improves overall skin health. It helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost hydration, fade pigmentation, brighten dull skin, and firm and smooth skin texture. Show
What’s inside Buffet?Peptides – Peptides are the proteins and molecules that make up the building blocks of skin, and keep it feeling smooth, firm, and bouncy. They send signals to cells which encourages them to produce more collagen (which our bodies loose as we age). Matrixyl – Matrixyl is a powerful peptide blend which is formulated to have really long-lasting results. It specifically targets collagen production and repairs damage. Probiotics – Prebiotics are a food source for probiotics (‘good’ bacteria). By feeding and increasing the amount of probiotics, they lead to a stronger skin barrier and improved moisture retention. Amino acids – Amino acids work to strengthen skin, maintain hydration levels, improve resilience, and contribute to an overall healthy appearance. They also protect skin from free-radical damage that can lead to signs of ageing. Hyaluronic acid – Hyaluronic acid acts like a magnet to draw moisture into the skin. Each molecule can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, so it massively improves skin’s hydration levels. How do you use Buffet?Apply to the face in the AM and/or PM after cleansing and before moisturising. Press into skin, rather than wiping over, to improve absorption. Who should use Buffet?Anyone looking to improve their overall skin health can benefit from using Buffet (and it’s great for all skintypes), but it’s particularly beneficial to those looking to target signs of skin ageing. Why is it called Buffet?The name of this product is inspired by the concept of a food buffet. Unlike most of The Ordinary’s single ingredient formulas, this one contains a large combination of multiple ingredients. What ingredients can I use with Buffet?Since the formula already contains multiple ingredients, you don’t really need to layer other serums with it, and there are certain combinations that should be avoided (see below). However, it’s totally safe to apply Buffet in the same routine as hyaluronic acid. What ingredients shouldn’t be combined with Buffet?It’s recommended not to combine these ingredients with The Ordinary Buffet in the same routine because they can compromise the performance of the peptides, and in some cases could cause skin irritation. Vitamin C Direct acids (e.g. glycolic, lactic, salicylic) Niacinamide Retinol What pH is Buffet?The pH of Buffet sits at 4.5-5.5, towards the acidic end of the pH scale. The Ordinary “Buffet” serum is a best-selling skincare product that targets wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. It combines multiple active technologies in one serum, all at a very affordable price. In this post, we’ll look at the formula and product performance in this The Ordinary “Buffet” review. NOTE: The Ordinary has renamed “Buffet” to The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum to better reflect the ingredients and powerful peptide technologies that address multiple signs of aging at once, including:
The formula stays the same. The name is the only change.  This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information. SHOP THE ORDINARY BLACK FRIDAY SALE23% OFF EVERYTHING!So, what’s so great about The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”)? The serum contains many actives, just like the food buffet it is named after. Let’s take a look at the active ingredients in the serum: The Ordinary “Buffet” (renamed to Multi-Peptide + HA Serum): Key Ingredients
The total concentration of these active technologies in “Buffet” serum by weight is 25.1%. Several active technologies are designed to address the signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines, and loss of skin firmness, as well as to hydrate the skin and support the skin barrier. But how does the serum perform? After using this serum consistently for a few months, my skin feels firmer, my skin texture is improved, and my skin barrier feels renewed. I really like this formula. This multi-peptide serum has a clear runny gel-like texture. It is a little tacky once applied to the skin and takes a few minutes to sink in. This is the only drawback for me, especially if you want to combine or layer “Buffet” with other skincare products. Even though the texture is not the best, this is one of my favorite affordable serums and beats other drugstore peptide serums that I’ve tried. The Ordinary “Buffet” vs The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%The Ordinary has a super-charged version of its “Buffet” serum: The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%. This serum contains all of the same ingredients as “Buffet” plus a 1% concentration of pure Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)). This copper peptide has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, plus it helps stimulate collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are proteins made naturally in the skin, but the skin’s production of these proteins decreases as we age. They are responsible for keeping your skin firm and bouncy. One other benefit of Copper Tripeptide-1 is that it has wound-healing properties and may even help break down scar tissue. I’m not sure the concentration would help with acne scars, but it does have some anti-inflammatory benefits. The inclusion of 1% copper peptides almost doubles the price. “Buffet” is currently $16.80, while “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% is $30.90. I didn’t notice enough difference between the two to repurchase “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%. The Ordinary “Buffet” vs Hylamide Subq SkinAn affordable alternative to The Ordinary “Buffet” comes from a brand, Hylamide, owned by the same parent company as The Ordinary (Deciem). Hylamide Subq Skin serum has similar wrinkle-fighting and hydration benefits as “Buffet” and even stronger effects against the signs of aging compared to “Buffet” but with a lightweight, non-sticky elegant texture. For more on how these two serums compare, check out this post on The Ordinary “Buffet” vs Hylamide Subq Skin. The Ordinary “Buffet” vs The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HAIf you are wondering which is better, The Ordinary “Buffet” or The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA, the formulas are similar, but “Buffet” contains more actives:
The Ordinary “Buffet” is formulated with more actives, but both serums have a similar texture and consistency. I think “Buffet” is the better choice for a complete peptide serum. The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA is currently priced at $11.50, and The Ordinary “Buffet” is $16.80. Related Posts: The Best The Ordinary Products for Wrinkles and Mature Skin, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Review How To Use The Ordinary “Buffet”You can easily incorporate the Ordinary “Buffet” serum into your skincare routine. Since it is a water-based serum, you should apply it after cleansing and toning, but before oils, creams and sunscreen. How often should you use The Ordinary “Buffet”? “Buffet” can be used both morning and evening, depending on the other product types (see conflicts below) in your skincare routine. How To Layer The Ordinary “Buffet”Apply The Ordinary “Buffet” on clean skin before your moisturizer or oil-based products. If you are layering “Buffet” with other water-based serums, take into consideration product thickness. You can generally apply water-based serums in order of thinnest to thickest consistency for best absorption and performance. Keep in mind that The Ordinary recommends applying no more than 3 serums in the same skincare routine. Related Post: How To Layer The Ordinary Products The Ordinary “Buffet” ConflictsIf you are wondering how to combine The Ordinary “Buffet” with other skincare products, there are a few product types that you should not mix with the Ordinary. You should not use the Ordinary “Buffet” in the same skincare routine as products containing direct exfoliating acids and pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid/ethylated ascorbic acid). Direct acids (like the alpha-hydroxy acids glycolic acid or lactic acid) and pure vitamin C products are formulated at lower pHs than “Buffet”, which is formulated at a higher pH of 4.5 – 5.5, so combining “Buffet” with these lower pH products may cause degradation of the formulas. The Ordinary also states that you should not use “Buffet” with Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% Related Post: How to Build A Skincare Routine with The Ordinary Products The Ordinary “Buffet” and Skin TypeThe Ordinary “Buffet” is water-based, making it ideal for most skin types. Be sure to patch test before trying “Buffet” for the first time. The serum is loaded with hydrators, making it effective for dry skin, and is light enough to use by those with oily skin. If you are wondering if The Ordinary “Buffet” is good for acne or if The Ordinary “Buffet” causes breakouts, it is highly dependent on your unique complexion. For acne-prone skin, these are excellent options from The Ordinary:
What are some alternatives to The Ordinary “Buffet”?The Ordinary offers other peptide serums, including The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% (very lightweight) and The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA (discussed above). For a more elegant product texture, consider SubQ Skin from The Ordinary’s sister company, Hylamide. Other affordable peptide serums include Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum and The Inkey List Collagen Booster. Related Post: Good Molecules Skincare Review Where to Buy The Ordinary “Buffet” (renamed to Multi-Peptide + HA Serum)?You can purchase The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”) on The Ordinary’s website, Ulta, Sephora, and Target in the US. FAQsCan you use The Ordinary “Buffet” and vitamin C together? The Ordinary does not recommend using “Buffet” with vitamin C, as a breakdown of the formulas may occur, compromising effectiveness if the two are used together. Alternately, you can apply vitamin C and wait about 30 minutes for it to absorb and then apply “Buffet”. Can you use The Ordinary “Buffet” and retinol together? Yes, you can use The Ordinary “Buffet” and retinol/retinoids together to get enhanced anti-aging benefits. Can you use The Ordinary “Buffet” and niacinamide together? Yes, you can use The Ordinary Buffet and niacinamide together. Both actives will target the signs of aging and offer hydration that supports a healthy skin barrier. Can The Ordinary “Buffet” be used with glycolic acid? The Ordinary does not recommend using Buffet with glycolic acid, as they are formulated at different pHs, which, when combined, will compromise the effectiveness of the formulas. Can The Ordinary “Buffet” be used with alpha arbutin?
Related Posts: The Inkey List vs The Ordinary, A Complete Guide to The Ordinary Retinol and Retinoid Products The Ordinary “Buffet” Review: Final ThoughtsWhile not a magic bullet for all of your skin concerns, The Ordinary “Buffet” is an excellent peptide serum that is available at drugstore prices. Perfect for beginners or seasoned skincare veterans, “Buffet” is a mild serum and should work well for all skin types, including sensitive skin. An effective non-irritating multi-technology peptide anti-aging serum for under $15? I don’t think you can beat it. Thanks for reading! Related The Ordinary Review Posts:
What goes first Buffet or retinol?You can use “Buffet” in the evening after cleansing and toning before using Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalene for example. Refer to this post for more in depth instructions.
Can I use the ordinary buffet after retinol?Can you use The Ordinary “Buffet” and retinol together? Yes, you can use The Ordinary “Buffet” and retinol/retinoids together to get enhanced anti-aging benefits.
What can you not mix with ordinary Buffet?It's best not to combine “Buffet” with acids and vitamin C products.
Can I use hyaluronic acid Buffet and retinol?Can I use Hyaluronic Acid+B5, Buffet, and Retinol 0.2% in Squalane in the same routine? Yes, you may! We'd suggest applying “Buffet” and HA, followed by Retinol (in the PM only).
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