Product Description
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum, formerly known as "Buffet," is a comprehensive, water-based serum designed to target multiple signs of aging. It combines several peptide complexes with a blend of hyaluronic acid forms to help improve skin smoothness, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance hydration for a plumped, youthful look. This formulation aims to provide broad-spectrum support for skin health.
Detailed Specifications
Feature |
Specification |
Volume |
30ml, 60ml |
Texture |
Lightweight, Water-Based Serum |
pH |
6.00 - 7.00 |
Key Ingredients |
Peptide Complexes (e.g., Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl Synthe'6, SYN-AKE, Argirelox), Hyaluronic Acid |
Formulation Free From |
Alcohol, Silicone, Nut, Oil, Gluten, Soy |
Ethics |
Vegan, Cruelty-Free |
The One Reason You Choose This Product
The most compelling reason to choose this product is its ability to offer a multi-faceted approach to anti-aging and hydration through a blend of advanced peptides and hyaluronic acid, all at an exceptionally accessible price point.
Key Ingredient Explanation
Ingredient Category |
Explanation |
Multi-Peptide Complexes |
These are chains of amino acids that act as messengers in the skin, signaling it to produce more collagen and elastin, which helps to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Specific peptides like Matrixyl 3000 and Matrixyl Synthe'6 are known for their collagen-boosting properties, while SYN-AKE and Argirelox target dynamic wrinkles by mimicking the effects of muscle relaxants, promoting smoother skin. |
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) |
A powerful humectant that attracts and holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration. This serum typically contains multiple forms of HA with varying molecular weights, allowing it to hydrate different layers of the skin, leading to a plumper and more supple complexion. |
Brand Introduction
The Ordinary is a brand under the Canadian beauty company DECIEM, founded with a mission to bring integrity and transparency to the skincare industry. Known for its clinical formulations and emphasis on key ingredients, The Ordinary offers effective and well-researched skincare technologies at honest prices, making active ingredients more accessible to a wider audience. Their philosophy centers on clear communication and avoiding unnecessary complexities, focusing instead on efficacy and ingredient education.
Comparison With Previous Products
Feature |
Previous Product (The Ordinary Buffet) |
Current Product (The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum) |
Name |
Buffet |
Multi-Peptide + HA Serum |
Formula |
Largely identical core formula |
Largely identical core formula, with ongoing minor refinements for stability and efficacy |
Purpose |
Comprehensive anti-aging and hydration |
Comprehensive anti-aging and hydration, with a name that more clearly describes its active ingredients |
The primary difference between "The Ordinary Buffet" and "The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum" is the product name itself. DECIEM, The Ordinary's parent company, transitioned to more descriptive naming conventions to help consumers better understand the active ingredients in their products. While the name changed, the core formula remained largely consistent, with only minor, unquantifiable refinements made over time to optimize stability and user experience, rather than a significant formulation overhaul resulting in new, measurable performance metrics.
Positive User Reviews
- "This serum transformed my dry skin! It feels so much plumper and hydrated, and my fine lines look softer after just a few weeks."
- "I love how lightweight it is and how quickly it absorbs without any greasy feeling. It's become a staple in my morning routine."
- "For the price, you simply can't beat the value. It delivers noticeable anti-aging benefits and keeps my skin feeling moisturized all day."
- "My skin texture has visibly improved, and I've received compliments on my complexion since I started using this."
- "It plays well with my other skincare products and makeup, never causing pilling unless I use too much."
- "I appreciate that it's fragrance-free and hasn't irritated my sensitive skin at all."
- "This serum gives my skin a healthy, dewy glow without making it look oily."
Negative User Reviews
- "I found this serum to be quite sticky on my skin, and it sometimes pilled when I tried to layer other products or makeup over it."
- "While it's hydrating, I didn't see any significant improvement in my deeper wrinkles or overall anti-aging effects even after consistent use for months."
- "It caused a few breakouts on my combination skin, which I hadn't experienced with other serums."
- "The texture felt a bit too watery, and I didn't feel like it provided enough moisture for my very dry skin."
- "I had high hopes, but I didn't notice any discernible difference in my skin's appearance, which was disappointing."
- "It seemed to just sit on top of my skin rather than absorbing fully."
Positive vs. Negative Review Comparison
Positive Feedback |
Negative Feedback |
Effective hydration and plumping |
Can feel sticky or pill, especially when layering |
Reduces appearance of fine lines and improves texture |
No significant impact on deeper wrinkles or advanced signs of aging |
Excellent value for money |
Some users experience breakouts or irritation |
Quick absorption and non-greasy feel for many |
Can feel heavy or not absorb fully for others |
Expected Experience When Purchasing
- Expect a lightweight, clear serum that absorbs relatively quickly, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and slightly tacky before fully drying.
- Anticipate gradual improvements in skin plumpness, smoothness, and the softened appearance of fine lines rather than immediate, dramatic results for deep wrinkles.
- Prepare for a potential learning curve when layering with other products to avoid pilling, as some users find it works best when allowed to fully absorb before applying subsequent steps.
Recommended User Types for This Product
User Type |
Rating |
Reasoning |
Anti-Aging Beginners |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
It offers a gentle yet effective introduction to anti-aging ingredients like peptides, making it suitable for those starting their journey into targeted skincare without overwhelming the skin. |
Hydration Seekers |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
With multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, this serum provides significant hydration and helps to plump the skin, making it ideal for individuals experiencing dryness or looking for a moisture boost. |
Budget-Conscious Skincare Enthusiasts |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Its combination of advanced ingredients at a highly affordable price point makes it an excellent choice for those seeking effective, multi-benefit skincare without a high financial investment. |
Good Products to Buy Together
Product Name |
Why It's a Good Match |
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser |
A gentle, lipid-soluble cleanser that effectively removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin, providing a clean canvas for serum application. |
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA |
This moisturizer complements the serum by providing a blend of amino acids, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid to seal in hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. |
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 |
Essential for daily protection against UV damage, which is crucial for preventing signs of aging. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF as the final step protects the benefits of the serum. |
Alternative Products
Product Name |
Why It Might Be Preferred |
Paula's Choice Peptide Booster |
Users seeking a higher concentration of various peptides with a more refined texture and potentially faster results, willing to invest at a higher price point. |
Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum |
For those prioritizing antioxidant protection, brightening, and collagen stimulation through Vitamin C, especially if they are addressing hyperpigmentation alongside anti-aging concerns. |
Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum |
If the primary focus is pure hydration and strengthening the skin barrier with mineral-rich volcanic water and hyaluronic acid, without the added complexities of multiple peptide complexes. |
Final Summary
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum, known for its previous moniker "Buffet," remains a standout product in the affordable skincare market. It adeptly combines a range of effective peptides with multi-molecular hyaluronic acid to offer a holistic approach to tackling visible signs of aging and enhancing skin hydration. While its price point is incredibly accessible, its formulation is far from basic, leveraging well-researched ingredients to support skin health. Common user feedback highlights its excellent hydrating and plumping effects, often leading to improved skin texture and a softening of fine lines. However, some users might find its texture slightly tacky or experience pilling if not applied correctly, and those with very deep wrinkles may need to manage expectations regarding dramatic transformations. Overall, it is an outstanding option for individuals seeking an all-encompassing anti-aging and hydrating serum, particularly for those new to active ingredients or operating within a budget, offering significant value and noticeable improvements in skin vitality and youthfulness.