The Ordinary Buffet Serum Review [My Honest Thoughts]
If you're looking for an affordable multi-purpose anti-aging serum, you'll want to keep reading! Today we'll be reviewing the The Ordinary Buffet Serum in-depth. No spoilers here, let's get right into it!
Quick facts:
Formulation: Alcohol-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free, and paraben free.
Texture: The Buffet serum is light and quickly absorbs into the skin. It is a little tacky, but the tackiness gets better once the serum is absorbed.
Scent: The serum doesn’t carry a scent, as it is fragrance-free.
Price: $19.90 for the 30ml size
Main pros: This is an affordable peptides and hyaluronic serum if you're looking to try out these kinds of ingredients for anti-aging and diminishing the look of fine lines. Many raving reviews on Sephora mentioned this made their skin look great and after a long time of use, they did notice a difference in their fine lines and found that this made their skin smoother too.
Cons: I did not like the sticky texture of this serum, and also didn't find that it was super effective (but I did only use it for about 2 weeks so maybe it wasn't long enough to see results).
My verdict: 6/10. The Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”) serum is a solid, affordable entry level peptide serum to try if you're just starting to try more anti-aging products. Personally I did not like it or have found it to do much, but many of the reviews on the Sephora site and online say that with continued use, they really see a difference. As with all skincare, to each their own, and at least with this product, it's affordable enough to be worth a try!
About the The Ordinary Buffet Serum
The brand website notes that the Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”) is a universal formula that combines a comprehensive array of technologies to improve skin smoothness and target multiple signs of aging at once. Utilizing four well-studied peptide technologies, skin-friendly amino acids, and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes, it helps significantly improve the appearance of crow's feet, as well as improving the feel of skin elasticity and firmness.
The product claims that it targets common signs of aging such as the look of crow’s feet, firmness and elasticity. (Reduces the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles after 8 weeks*).
Personally after using it for about 2 weeks, I didn't really notice any difference in my skin except maybe more hydration and a slight plumping effect that quickly went away after I discontinued use.
Related Reviews for The Ordinary:
I’ve posted the Hyaluronic serum review as well the moisturizing factors review. The Buffet serum in my opinion is a little bit better than just the Hyaluronic serum by itself.
The Ordinary Buffet Serum ingredients
I believe at some point last year there was a reformulation for this serum. So this ingredients list is for the new formula for the Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly "Buffet Serum"):
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Trehalose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, Urea, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
www.theordinary.com
How to apply The Ordinary Buffet Serum
- Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening after cleansing routine.
- I've found that it's a bit easier to absorb into the skin if the skin is just a little bit damp still.
- If irritation occurs, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician.
- Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised.
What not to mix with The Ordinary Buffet serum?
Avoid mixing this serum with acids such as AHAs, BHAs, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid. More info on what you can and can't mix peptides with can be found here on Skinceutical's post.
My Final Thoughts: The Ordinary Buffet Serum Review Verdict
In summary, I think this might be an affordable solid starter peptide + HA serum for those just starting to try out skincare for anti-aging and for fine lines.
It has not made my all-time favourites list though since I am not super impressed with the texture of this and personally believe there is better out there (but maybe not at this price point). If you are trying something like this for the first time though, be sure to spot test to make sure your skin can tolerate it!
Let me know if you've found this review useful or if there's another product by The Ordinary you'd like me to review, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
*This post may contain affiliate links. However, these are always my honest opinions*