The Ordinary “Buffet” Review: Renamed to Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

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.

So consider this updated post The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum review.

This The Ordinary Buffet serum review 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.

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 tackiness 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 that targets the signs of aging and beats other drugstore peptide serums that I’ve tried.

The Ordinary “Buffet” (renamed to Multi-Peptide + HA Serum): Key Ingredients

• Matrixyl 3000 Peptide Complex: This peptide complex contains two peptides: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. Per the manufacturer, these peptides help to reduce deep wrinkles and improve skin elasticity, collagen production, and skin tone.
• Matrixyl Synthe’6 Peptide Complex: Per the manufacturer, this peptide complex, made with palmitoyl tripeptide-38, increases the production of six different components of the skin matrix: collagen I, collagen III, collagen IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and laminin 5. It is supposed to smooth crow’s feet around the eyes and wrinkles, especially on the forehead.
• SYN-AKE Peptide Complex: Also called dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, this peptide complex consists of a three amino acid peptide, that per the manufacturer, quickly reduces the look of wrinkles and laughter lines.
• ARGIRELOX Peptide Complex: Contains acetyl hexapeptide-8, and pentapeptide-18, and targets expression wrinkles. It is supposed to provide a Botox-like effect on the skin and improves efficacy when used in conjunction with Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A).
• Probiotic Complex: This complex includes lactococcus ferment lysate, a probiotic that comes from Lactococcus lactis bacteria. It is supposed to improve skin barrier function for a healthy complexion.
• 11 Skin-Friendly Amino Acids: The amino acids included in this serum are glycine, alanine, serine, valine, isoleucine, proline, threonine, histidine, phenylalanine, arginine, and aspartic acid. Amino acids are building blocks of proteins. They hydrate and moisturize the skin. Some may even offer anti-aging wrinkle-fighting benefits.
• Multiple Hyaluronic Acid Complexes: Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer is a cross-linked type of hyaluronic acid that forms a continually hydrating mesh on the skin for better hydration and long-lasting moisture. Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid, an active ingredient that hydrates and helps the skin retain water.

The total concentration of these active technologies in The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“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.

This serum contains all of the same ingredients as Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“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. A 1 oz. bottle of Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) is currently $17.50, while Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum is $30.90.

For more details on my experience with Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum, please see my The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% review post.

The Ordinary “Buffet” vs Hylamide Subq Skin

NOTE: Hylamide Subq Skin, unfortunately, has been discontinued by Deciem.

An affordable alternative to The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“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 Matrixyl 10% + HA contains Matrixyl 3000 and Matrixyl synthe’6 at a combined concentration of 10%.
• The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) contains both of those actives plus several others at a combined concentration of 25.1%

	The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA	The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”)
Key Ingredients:	Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl synthe’6, sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid)	Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl synthe’6, multiple hyaluronic acid complexes, SYN-AKE Peptide Complex, ARGIRELOX Peptide Complex, a probiotic complex, and 11 moisturizing amino acids
Active Concentration:	10%	25.1%
Price:	$10.50	$17.50

Even though The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) is formulated with more actives, both serums have a similar texture and consistency.

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA is currently priced at $10.50, and The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) is $17.50.

I think Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) is the better choice, as it’s a more complete peptide serum.

How To Use The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”)

You can easily incorporate the Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) serum into your skincare routine. Since it is a water-based serum, you should apply a few drops to your face after cleansing and toning but before oils, creams, and sunscreen.

How often should you use The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”)?

Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“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 Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”)

Apply The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) on clean skin before your moisturizer or oil-based products. If you are layering Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“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 Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) Conflicts

If you are wondering how to combine The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) with other skincare products, there are a few product types that conflict with the serum.

You should not use the Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) in the same skincare routine as products containing direct exfoliating acids and pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid/ethylated ascorbic acid).

WHY? Direct acids (like the alpha-hydroxy acids glycolic acid or lactic acid) and pure vitamin C products are formulated at lower pHs than Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”), which is formulated at a higher pH of 4.5 – 5.5, so combining Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“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%
and salicylic acid products.

Related Post: How to Build A Skincare Routine with The Ordinary Products

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) and Skin Type

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) is water-based, making it ideal for most skin types.

I think it is especially ideal for dehydrated, dry, and mature skin looking to target the visible signs of aging.

The serum is loaded with hydrators, making it effective for dry skin, yet 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:

• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (see my review here)
• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

Be sure to patch test before trying Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) for the first time to avoid an adverse initial reaction.

What are some alternatives to The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”)?

The Ordinary offers other peptide serums, including The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% (very lightweight) and The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA (discussed above).

The serum works in the same way as Botox to target and reduce the appearance of expression lines but with a non-invasive approach. (Think of the lines around your mouth from smiling and crow’s feet wrinkles from squinting your eyes.)

Since the serum contains a higher Argireline concentration than Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”), you can use it as an alternative or as an add-on to Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) for targeting expression lines.

The serum contains acetyl hexapeptide-8 (also found in Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”)) plus acetyl octapeptide-3. These peptides work like Botox to target the facial lines and wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions.

The serum also contains sodium hyaluronate for hydration and copper tripeptide-1 (like The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum). Copper tripeptide-1 is the last ingredient on the ingredient list, so the concentration is not high.

NOTE: Another affordable peptide serum that looks very interesting is Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum. I am ordering, and will report back after I’ve tested it for a while!

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.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum Review: The Bottom Line

While not a magic bullet for all of your skin concerns, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“Buffet”) is an excellent peptide serum and best seller that is available at drugstore prices.

Perfect for beginners or seasoned skincare veterans, Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (“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 $20? I don’t think you can beat it.

NOTE: For the benefits of anti-aging peptides around your eyes, you can pair Multi-Peptide + HA Serum with The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum.

Thanks for reading!

Related The Ordinary Review Posts:

• The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Review
• The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Review
• The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil Review
• The Ordinary 10% Mandelic Acid + HA Review
• The Ordinary Caffeine Solution Review
• The Ordinary Niacinamide Review
• The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics Review
• The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Review
• The Ordinary Anti-Aging Skincare Review
• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Review
• The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA Review
• The Ordinary Argireline Review