The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% Review

Copper peptides are known for their ability to combat the visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines and loss of elasticity and firmness, while promoting healing and repair.

Copper peptides have become a popular anti-aging ingredient in skincare products, and The Ordinary offers a 1% concentration in their “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%.

The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% is a super-charged version of The Ordinary “Buffet,” which has been renamed to The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum + HA.

I’ve taken a break from vitamin C in my morning skincare routine and have been testing “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% for the past several weeks.

Today, I’ll share my thoughts and experience with this copper peptide serum in this The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% review.

This The Ordinary copper peptides 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.

The serum also contains moisturizing amino acids and multiple weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate the surface of your skin at multiple levels.

This copper peptide serum works to improve the look of dynamic and fine lines and supports skin elasticity, firmness, and smoother skin.

The copper peptides in the formula also have antioxidant properties that can help protect your skin against environmental aggressors.

*The peptides in the serum are GHK-Cu, SYN-AKE, Matrixyl synthe’6, Matrixyl 3000, Relistase, and Argirelox peptide.

The Benefits of Copper Peptides

Copper peptides are a three amino acid peptide chain found naturally in our bodies (copper is a trace element found in all living organisms).

They have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and college-stimulating properties, which make them ideal for targeting signs of aging.

When applied topically, copper peptides help boost the production of the proteins collagen and elastin, which can smooth the look of wrinkles and firm your skin.

Studies have shown that copper peptides deserve a spot in any anti-aging skincare routine.

Interestingly, this clinical study compared the effects of vitamin C, a copper tripeptide, and tretinoin, and after a month of use, the copper tripeptide boosted collagen the most!

Copper peptides also have wound-healing benefits and even help break down excessive collagen in scar tissue.

There has been some discussion that copper peptides can stimulate hair growth by enlarging hair follicles. This is not ideal when you are using it on your face, but I haven’t noticed any issues with unwanted hair growth during the time that I’ve been using the serum.

The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% Key Ingredients

If you don’t want to get into the details of the long list of actives in this serum, you can just scroll down to the review, but if you’re interested in the scientific characteristics, here’s a quick rundown of The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% key active ingredients:

• Lactococcus Ferment Lysate: A probiotic ferment that strengthens the skin barrier and improves the skin’s renewal process, per the manufacturer.
• Copper Tripeptide-1: Also known as GHK-Cu, copper peptides boost collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans in the skin. These are important molecules that provide the structural support our skin needs to stay firm and elastic. Copper peptides also have healing and antioxidant properties, so they help protect your skin against environmental stress.
• Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: Also known as Argireline, this peptide works to relax facial muscles and reduce the look of wrinkles. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve signals, which reduces facial tension.
• Pentapeptide-18: Also known as Leuphasyl, this active ingredient helps reduce the expression wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial movements. It pairs with Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) discussed above to form the Agirelox peptide solution.
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: These peptides are better known as the best-selling Matrixyl 3000 peptide complex. They work together to help stimulate collagen synthesis and increase skin elasticity while improving skin tone and roughness.
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38: Also known as Matrixyl synthe’6, this peptide is supposed to increase the production of collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, and laminin 5, the six main components of the skin matrix. What does this mean? A reduction in wrinkles, specifically around the forehead.
• Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate: This long-named ingredient is better known as SYN-AKE peptide. It’s a tripeptide that targets wrinkles caused by facial movements, like Botox does, although not as effectively.
• Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine: This tongue twister is better known as Relistase, a tetrapeptide that not only stimulates collagen production but also inhibits elastase, a collagen-degrading enzyme. Ideal for sagging skin and loss of skin firmness.
• Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer: This cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid forms a protective barrier on the skin to keep moisture in. It is supposed to have 5x the water-binding capacity compared to regular hyaluronic acid.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (HA). It helps hold moisture in the skin and plumps skin for a cushiony, youthful look. It is an excellent hydrator for all skin types. This sodium-salt derivative of hyaluronic acid has a greater water-binding capacity than regular hyaluronic acid, which means it has the ability to hold onto more water molecules.
• Allantoin: Derived from comfrey root, this active ingredient helps soothe the skin.
• Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Arginine, and Aspartic Acid: These amino acids play an important role in skin hydration and help keep your skin moisturized.
• Trehalose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose: These sugars are humectants that bind moisture to the skin to maintain hydration levels.
• Urea: A natural moisturizing factor (NMF) found naturally in our skin, urea helps improve skin barrier function.
• Sodium PCA, PCA (Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid): These natural moisturizing factors help keep your skin hydrated and nourished.
• Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin: A plant-based moisturizing ingredient that is supposed to have a lifting effect on the skin.

Yes, that was a long active ingredient list! But it’s quite an impressive list of active ingredients that work together to target the multiple signs of aging.

The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% Review

I’ve purchased multiple bottles of The Ordinary “Buffet”, now called Multi-Peptide Serum + HA, and love it for its lightweight texture and the potent blend of actives.

So when I tried The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% in the past, I was disappointed that it irritated my skin.

I revisited “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% for this review, hoping that my skin would tolerate it this time around.

The first day that I used it, it caused some slight stinging upon application, but after it absorbed, that was the end of it, thank goodness. No irritation at all after that first application.

The blue color of the serum is due to the copper peptides and goes away once you massage it into your skin (see image below).

The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It doesn’t feel heavy on my skin and dries to a slightly tacky finish that works well under my moisturizer, SPF, and makeup products.

This time around, I really like what it’s doing for my skin. There are no drastic changes in my skin, but I do feel like it has helped plump my complexion and clarify and smooth my skin a bit.

The one huge plus after switching from vitamin C to this in my morning skincare routine is my skin hydration.

I would often feel dry and dehydrated after removing my makeup at night when using vitamin C products, but this serum leaves my skin feeling nourished and hydrated all day long without making my T-zone greasy or causing breakouts.

I still get quicker, more noticeable results from retinoids and exfoliating acids, but this copper peptide serum is a great option for daytime wear and for alternating with vitamin C.

I would recommend this serum if you are looking for a way to target multiple signs of aging and want something that will provide some serious hydration without the typical irritation and dryness that comes along with other anti-agers like retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or vitamin C.

How To Use The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%

Since it’s a water-based serum, apply “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer and SPF.

The Ordinary suggests using “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% in your morning and evening skincare routines, but I only use it in the morning and save the evening for other potent actives like retinoids or direct acids.

The shelf life of the serum is 6 months after opening, although after reading other user experiences, I’d use it up within 3 months to get the most benefits from the copper peptides.

Be sure to patch test before using it for the first time. Patch testing new skin care products helps avoid an adverse initial reaction.

The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% Conflicts

Avoid using The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% at the same time as exfoliating acids like alpha hydroxy acids (direct acids), pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid), salicylic acid (BHA), strong antioxidants (i.e. The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% and The Ordinary EUK 134 0.1%), and retinoids.

As you can see, The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% does have quite a few conflicts, so I like to use the serum by itself on my entire face and neck or paired with hyaluronic acid (or niacinamide) under a moisturizer.

Can You Use Niacinamide with “Buffet” + Copper Peptides?

Yes, you can use niacinamide with The Ordinary ” Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%.

Related Post: Affordable Copper Peptide Serums

The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% Alternatives

If you’re looking for an alternative to The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%, then The Ordinary and its sister brand, NIOD, offer some effective options:

Formerly known as “Buffet”, the serum contains multiple peptide technologies and hyaluronic acid complexes along with hydrating and moisturizing amino acids to improve the look of wrinkles, fine lines, skin elasticity, and other signs of aging.

This peptide serum has the same lightweight water-based formula as the “Buffet” with copper peptides, and it’s a very impressive ingredient list for the price.

Multi-Peptide Serum + HA does not contain copper peptides, but it is a more affordable option at nearly half the price of The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%.

So it’s perfect if you’re looking for an effective anti-aging serum without the added expense of copper peptides.

This serum can also be paired with retinol to boost the anti-aging benefits of your skincare routine.

Argireline, which is the peptide acetyl hexapeptide-8, is also one of the peptides found in The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%, but in a lower concentration than this serum.

This high concentration of Argireline goes to work on the elevens between your eyes, dynamic forehead, and smile lines, as well as areas of your face prone to deep-set lines.

This super light serum feels almost like water on your skin, making it easy to pair with other skincare products and wear under makeup.

I love pairing The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% with The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA. Read more about how these two serums work together in my The Ordinary Argireline review.

Matrixyl synthe’6 and Matrixyl 3000 are also found in “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%.

At a third of the price of “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%, you can pair this serum with Argireline Solution 10% for additional anti-aging benefits and still have about $10 to spare.

See my complete The Ordinary Matrixyl review here.

This is the third generation of NIOD’s award-winning serum that contains 1% GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1), like The Ordinary, to target the visible signs of aging.

The serum also contains 1% tripeptide-1, which helps boost collagen production for firmer skin and even improves tissue repair.

Tripeptide-29, acetyl tetrapeptide-2, and trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 are additional peptides that support collagen production to improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Additional actives include myristoyl nonapeptide-3, which is supposed to boost collagen production and improve skin cell turnover like retinol but without irritation. Cross-linked hyaluronic acid helps with the delivery of water to your skin.

This copper petide serum has a thinner, more elegant texture than “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%.

But be prepared: it is more than three times the price.

This is definitely a high-end luxury serum, but if you’re looking for something with extra potency when it comes to copper peptides and peptides, this NIOD serum could be worth checking out.

Is The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% Worth It?

I couldn’t end this post without discussing the price. This is one of the most expensive The Ordinary products at $30.90 for 1 oz. For the price, is it worth it?

Well, if you consider the cost of The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum, which is $30.80 for 2 oz, and $17.50 for one oz, that makes the 1 oz. formula with the copper peptides close to twice the price.

Do copper peptides warrant an increase in price?

Of course, I’m going to say that depends.

If you are looking to prevent the signs of aging as opposed to correct the signs of aging and keep your skin hydrated during the day, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum will probably meet your needs.

But if you have an aging or mature skin type and you want to maximize the benefits of copper peptides in your anti-aging skincare routine, The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% could be worth the extra cost, since there’s no way around it: copper peptides are pricey.

In fact, I think this is one of the cheapest copper peptide serums I’ve ever seen. So, if you’re curious about copper peptides and don’t want to pay top dollar, this could be a great introductory product.

If you have mature skin and want a skincare routine using The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%, be sure to read my post on The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Over 50.

The Bottom Line: The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides Review

The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% is a good option if you’re looking for an anti-aging serum that targets multiple signs of aging, like wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and dullness.

Although it’s pricey compared to other The Ordinary serums due to the added cost of the copper peptides, I think this The Ordinary best seller is worth considering if you have an aging or mature skin type and want to combat wrinkles and other visible signs of skin aging.

Read more about The Ordinary peptide products in my The Ordinary Peptides Guide.

Thanks for reading!