Hi there beauties! Today I have an ’empty’ review for you and it’s The Ordinary Buffet serum. I already have reviewed The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% & The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil from this line, so if you’re curious about those you can check them out. I was torn between getting either the Matrixyl 3000, but went for this one since it has that and more ingredients. This is an anti-ageing serum, however I was primarily looking for an affordable serum to hydrate my skin, but thought: Hey, why not also get the extra benefits of peptides?

Description

This formula combines a comprehensive array of studied technologies to target multiple signs of aging at once. The technologies are Matrixyl 3000 peptide complex, synthe’6, SYN-AKE, Relistase, ARGIRELOX, Probiotic complex, in a base of 11 skin-friendly amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes. The total concentration of these technologies in the formula by weight is 25.1%.

Comes in a glass bottle with a dropper like most Ordinary products. It has a 30ml and a 60ml version. Almost has no scent and it’s clear.

Application

I apply this at the serum step of my routine, after my toner and before emulsion/moisturizer. I feel like 2-3 drops is enough to cover the whole face. It can be used morning and night.

The Ordinary instructions: It is best to not use Peptides in the same routine as the following products: Direct acids, LAA (L-Ascorbic Acid) and ELAA (Ethylated Ascorbic Acid). In addition, we would recommend avoiding the use of products containing copper peptides in the same routine as strong antioxidants as well as direct acids/LAA/ELAA.

Performance

It has a serum-like viscous texture. You can apply 2-3 drops of this, otherwise it’s going to be somewhat diffucult to absorb. It does feel sticky after application, but it goes away after 2 minutes and the finish is smooth. It’s recommended to use this right after cleansing as per directions from The Ordinary. But for me, it doesn’t feel hydrating enough on its own, so I need to use a toner under for added hydration. This way works so much better. Depending on how my skin is feeling that day, I may do only 1 or up to 2 layers of toner before applying the serum.

I loved using this under my eye area. I’m prone to milia and despite the texture, this didn’t cause any milia at all. My undereyes felt well hydrated without any greasy or heavy feeling. It also didn’t cause any breakouts or irritation. According to The Ordinary, it has a pH 4.50-5.50, which is close to where our skin naturally is.

The Ordinary Buffet Review

This is an anti-ageing serum with a blend of peptides, humectants and fermented probiotics. It’s supposed to help you with signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, skin elasticity etc. It contains peptides that are known to stimulate collagen production and others that inhibit the excess of elastase activity (an enzyme that breaks down elastin).

Now, I have said it before that when it comes to anti-ageing it takes a long time before seeing any results. So, did I notice any difference in skin elasticity while using it? Well, no. Because I’ve only gone through one bottle and I’m only 28. I did however enjoy the plump skin I got using this in combination with toner or essence. Didn’t leave the skin shiny and worked well with my other skincare. Improves the texture of the skin, hydrates the undereye area well and worked well under my makeup.

Ingredients

pH 4.50-5.50 alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, nut-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan.

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.


Final Verdict

Pros

  • Hydrating.
  • Improves skin texture.
  • Suitable for all skin types.
  • Didn’t break me out or irritate my skin.
  • Didn’t cause milia when applied under the eye area.
  • Skin strengthening & antiageing.
  • Affordable compared to other peptide products.
  • Worked well under my makeup and other skincare (I don’t layer more than 3-4 products).
  • Cruelty-free & Vegan.

Cons

  • Can be difficult to absorb or sink into the skin if applied too much.

To sum up The Ordinary Buffet serum review: I did like it! Who would it be more suitable for? The hydration power is not amazing, so normal, combination and oily skin types would benefit from this more than dry skin or skin suffering from dehydration. I’m able to supplement the hydration with layering toner, since that’s how I do my routine anyway. I didn’t develop any milia, breakouts, irritation or redness. Skin looks plump and texture is improved.

Not the most cosmetically elegant texture, but does its job and I’m okay with it. Who else should give it a try: Anyone who’s under 30-32 and wants to start their anti-ageing game and introduce peptides into their routine! Also, if you don’t want to splurge on a peptide serum since the start, you can give it a try without breaking the bank!
I would repurchase this serum.



Hope you found my The Ordinary Buffet Review helpful. Please let me know in the comments below which products from the Ordinary are your favorites and how they’ve helped your skin. Would love to read your experience with the brand 🙂