The Ordinary “Buffet” is a Multi-Technology Peptide Serum. Read our honest, unpaid review below.

The Abnormal Beauty Company, well known to serious skincare enthusiasts worldwide, is home to The Ordinary, a line of no-nonsense, results-driven skincare products. If you are looking for a quality product, at a reasonable price, look no further than The Ordinary Buffet. 

Once again, The Ordinary gives us another stellar formulation, this time by the name of “Buffet”. Buffet is an anti-aging miracle sold as a simple skincare serum. The formula is the key. Buffet contains not just one active ingredient but a complex array of studied technologies and ingredients to combat multiple signs of aging at once. More than a bang for your buck, this formulation is a nuclear explosion of anti-aging benefits!

Heard of The Ordinary but haven’t tried their products yet? Seen them on TikTok and wondered what the fuss is all about? We tried Buffet and wrote this honest review to help you decide if Buffet is right for you. 

This is an uncompensated product review. Be sure to read my other review of The Ordinary Peeling Solution, another very popular product from the same company.

What is The Ordinary Buffet?

Buffet is a water-based skin serum that targets multiple signs of aging at once. It helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost skin hydration, fade pigmentation, brighten dull, aged skin, and smooth the texture of the skin. And yes, it really does do all that. 

This special formulation combines a comprehensive list of active ingredients and advanced technologies. These technologies include Matrixyl™ 3000 peptide complex (with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7), Matrixyl™ synthe’6™ peptide complex (with palmitoyl tripeptide-38), SYN™-AKE peptide complex (with dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate), ARGIRELOX™ peptide complex (with acetyl hexapeptide-8, pentapeptide-18), Postbiotic complex (with Lactococcus lactis lysate), in a base of 11 skin-friendly amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes. 

The total concentration of these incredible ingredients in the formula by weight is 25.1%. Compare this to the active ingredient list of many over-priced, over-hyped products with a ridiculous 3% active ingredients and you can see why intelligent skincare consumers worldwide are purchasing The Ordinary’s Buffet. 

Interesting note: The name Buffet was inspired by some expensive products offering one combination of ingredients and calling it a “buffet” of active elements, distastefully comparing themselves to a buffet of various foods offered at one sitting. This product formulation, with this complex combination of advanced technologies, is the self-serve equivalent of an anti-aging multi-course feast for your skin. 

Buffet is just one product in The Ordinary skincare line from the DECIEM umbrella company of scientifically formulated products. Best of all Deciem’s products are cruelty-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. Here is what DECIEM says about the products from their website: 

“All DECIEM products, across all brands including The Ordinary, are free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, oxybenzone. If you have questions about any ingredient that we use, please reach out to us and our lab will provide a response.

DECIEM does not test on animals and does not pay others to do so. For this reason, none of our brands are sold in mainland China since such sales require animal testing for registration purposes.”

Benefits of Buffet Skin Serum 

Buffet is a water-based serum that multi-tasks, attacking multiple signs of aging while improving the appearance and texture of your skin. This scientifically-formulated combination of technologies and ingredients reduces fine lines and wrinkles, boosts hydration, fades pigmentation, brightens dull, gray skin, and smoothes the surface of the skin making it appear dewy and more youthful. And who doesn’t want that?

This solution contains:

• Peptides are amino acids that form the building blocks of particular proteins required by the skin, such as collagen and elastin. Peptides signal your skin cells to produce more of these proteins resulting in more youthful, hydrated skin with fewer breakouts.
• Matrixyl™ peptide complexes are specially formulated to boost collagen production and help repair skin damage. These patented ingredients form a first-line defense against the signs of aging. 
• Postbiotic complex (with Lactococcus lactis lysate) feeds the skin ensuring a more effective skin barrier and greatly improves retention of hydration, reducing the visible signs of aging. 
• 11 skin-friendly amino acids which dermatologists agree are the key to plump, more youthful skin. This scientifically-formulated combination results in skin that is protected from damage and strengthened, making fine lines and wrinkles less deep. 
• Multiple hyaluronic acid complexes act as a powerful humectant, holding onto the moisture in the skin, hydrating the outer layers of the skin, improving the skin’s appearance, and resulting in a more youthful, dewy appearance. 

A note from Deciem regarding the powerful ingredients in this serum:  

“Instead of developing a complex guide listing the compatibility of each of our peptides with each acid and Vitamin C, we have adapted the following approach to maximize efficacy for the maximum number of people:

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.”

The texture of this serum is smooth and silky. It has no added fragrance, natural or other, and is suitable for all skin types: dry, oily, normal, or combination. The Ordinary Buffet is not for use on sensitive or compromised skin. Always follow the directions on the package for best results. 

How To Use The Ordinary’s Buffet 

Apply to the entire face, AM, and PM, after cleansing. If irritation occurs, stop use and see a dermatologist. Use only as directed, never use on broken skin. If you have sensitive skin, a patch test before first use is advised. 

To do a patch test:

• Apply a small amount of the product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm.
• Keep the area dry.
• If the product has a specified duration of use, rinse off after this time has elapsed. Otherwise, rinse off after 24 hours.
• If any redness, burning, itching, blistering, or irritation is observed at any time throughout the test, do not use the product.

If you experience an allergic reaction to Buffet or any of The Ordinary’s products, or if you are simply not satisfied with the product, the good news is from Deciem’s website, quoted below:

“If you are not satisfied with your purchase made through the DECIEM website or one of our DECIEM retail stores, we are happy to let you know that you can return any unwanted products that are at least 50% full within 365 days (1 year) from the date of purchase as stated on your invoice/receipt.” 

Now that’s a guarantee of customer satisfaction and explains this product lines’ loyal following who swear by the clinical results you can achieve in your very own bathroom at a fraction of the cost of a spa treatment or medical procedure. 

Make Buffet a part of your daily skincare routine, AM and PM. Apply to freshly washed face after any toner you may use. Do not rinse off. For the day you can use it before the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and sunscreen. For the night, you can use it before retinol serum or a skin oil of your choice.

The Ordinary Buffet Before and After 

Not wanting any other product to interfere with this trial, no other products were applied to the face after cleansing, toning, and applying Buffet. 

My first impression of Buffet is that it is a lightweight formula that is easily absorbed by the skin. My face sucked it up! A penny-sized amount covered my face and neck easily. I applied more to my decollete area which also drank it in like rainfall in the desert. My skin immediately felt plumper and well hydrated from such a small amount of serum. 

The serum melts into your skin without leaving any oily residue, unlike some skin serums. It felt like my skin could still easily breathe. So, my first impression was very good and I was looking forward to thirty days of use. 

After one week, I noticed a reduction in the fine lines and wrinkles. Wrinkles just didn’t look so deep now. My skin felt wonderful and refreshed. I grew up spending summers in the sun and we didn’t wear sunscreen back then so I am always looking for an affordable product that makes a visible difference to the sun damage I unwittingly caused myself. 

If you have youthful 20-something skin, you may not notice visible results as quickly, but the serum is still doing wonderful things for your skin. Consistency is the key to any effective routine, and this is no different. Regular daily use produces, as promised, a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. I am quite pleased with my results after 30 days and have now incorporated Buffet into my daily skincare routine. 

What Does The Ordinary Buffet do?

I found this product to be amazing! Not only is it rare to find a product that delivers the expected results, but to do so at such a remarkably affordable price makes this product a keeper. Not only did The Ordinary Buffet reduce my fine lines and wrinkles, but it also helped erase sun damage and restore a smooth texture to my skin. 

My pores are less pronounced and pigmentation appears reduced. The smoother texture of my face makes my makeup glide on easily. Moisturizers are far more effective by using Buffet before applying. I am a believer! Buffet is now a part of my daily skincare routine. 

What Is “The Ordinary”?

The Ordinary is “clinical formulations with integrity” in their own words, an “Abnormal Beauty Company.” It is one of the companies owned by DECIEM, a Canadian skincare corporation that specializes in advanced functional beauty. Their list of beauty products reads like a chemistry quiz.

They specialize in materials, chemistry, and biochemistry and have brought advancements to the skincare industry with their pioneering innovations through their core brands Hylamide and NIOD (Non-Invasive Options in Dermal Science). Together, they are advancing the science of skincare. 

“The Ordinary exists to communicate with integrity and bring to market effective, more familiar technologies at honourable prices. The Ordinary takes pride in honesty, fights innovation stagnancy in the industry and indirectly celebrates the depth of innovation our brands, Hylamide and NIOD, continue to bring to the category.”  

The Ordinary vs Other Skincare Products

The Ordinary offers the same clinical results as expensive professional formulations at a fraction of the cost. The Ordinary’s products contain active ingredients you may not be used to purchasing and using at home. Always follow directions for usage. 

Most skincare products contain an abundance of inactive ingredients, fragrances, and cheap fillers with a very small percentage of active ingredients. Most beauty products are marked up considerably over the actual price of producing the product. Many products have a markup of up to 400% to cover the cost of slick advertisements or celebrity endorsements. 

The Ordinary is NOT most beauty products. They provide effective products that are sought out by intelligent skincare consumers worldwide specifically for their efficacy. The ingredients in the products are few and are clearly spelled out on the labels. The consumer is well aware of the effective ingredient(s) and their proper use. Always follow the directions on the label. We can not stress that enough. You may not be used to using products with such a high concentration of active ingredients.

If you seek functional skincare, give their products a try. The good news is if you try, for example, the Vitamin C serum, and find that it is too strong for your skin, you can simply purchase a substitute product that is more suited to your skin type, and you will have spent less on the purchase of the two products than for one product from most skincare lines. However, DECIEM offers a 365-day return policy to ensure customer satisfaction.

Glowing Reviews From Real Buffet Users

John says: 5.0 out of 5 stars

“My skin stays moisturized and I look much younger than I am. This is part of my anti-aging routine, morning and night before anything else I use The Ordinary Buffet. Then I use Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and sunscreen in the morning and at night I add a retinol and rosehip seed oil. I’ve tried many products in the past I’m an esthetician and started with The Ordinary six months ago. I’m 60 now and everyone comments on how much younger-looking I’ve gotten in the last six months. I heard about this line from Wayne Goss who is on many youtube videos. I don’t know him personally however I would recommend a look. What I really love about this brand is the quality and price.”

KJS says: 5.0 out of 5 stars

“I was skeptical of this brand after all of the hype, but really love this serum. It makes my skin feel really, really hydrated, comfortable and soft. I use about 1/2 of the Moisturizer than before using The Buffet. I have 3 ordinary products I really love. I think, like all skin care, it is a personal experience and you have to find the products that work best on an individual basis.”

Marine says: 5.0 out of 5 stars

“If you know anything about skin care, you know that this is amazing! I’ve been using it daily AM and PM for 3 month now along with the other recommend product for the “general signs of aging” regimen”

GJ from the UK says: 5.0 out of 5 stars 

“I absolutely love the Ordinary Products. I use this serum on damp skin after shower before I apply any other products. A must have for my facial skin care regimen, as I know that I’m giving my skin the best possible chance of staying healthy with this product. Would definitely recommend …..”

Frequently Asked Questions About The Ordinary Buffet 

“What is not allowed to be used with The Ordinary Buffet?”

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.

“How often should I use The Ordinary Buffet?”

You can use the ordinary buffet serum on your daily and night routine, after washing and toning your face. For the day you can use it before the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and sunscreen. For the night, you can use it before retinol serum or a skin oil of your choice.

“Can I use The Ordinary Buffet around my eyes? “

Yes, it is safe to use in the eye area. 

“Is The Ordinary Buffet safe for sensitive skin?” 

A little bit of science here – The Ordinary Buffet serum is a combination of peptide technologies. Think of these guys like messengers. They’re super similar to actives your skin already makes – meaning this is a fantastic anti-aging serum for sensitive skin types. And even sensitive skin areas like your eyes.

“Does The Ordinary Buffet help acne?”

Although The Ordinary “Buffet” is not targeted to oily and acne-prone skin, this serum will benefit all skin types thanks to its potent cocktail of peptides. This oil-free serum will target dullness, uneven skin tone, and dryness thanks to 11 skin-friendly amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes.

“Where can I buy The Ordinary Buffet?”

When it comes to purchasing the products you have a few options. DECIEM’s website sells The Ordinary Buffet; however, they quickly sell out from time to time when they run a sale, and then it takes them a while before they can restock and begin taking orders again. If DECIEM is sold out you can purchase The Ordinary Peeling Solution for a great low price on Amazon. We have also seen it sold at Ulta Beauty and Sephora. Always buy from a reputable seller. Cheap counterfeit products have been known to be sold online. 

“What does The Ordinary Buffet do?”

Buffet is a multitasking water-based serum which targets multiple signs of skin aging and improves overall skin health. It helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost hydration, fade pigmentation, brighten dull skin, and firm and smooth the texture of the skin.

“What do I use after The Ordinary Buffet?”

You can use the ordinary buffet serum on your daily and night routine, after washing and toning your face. For the day you can use it before the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and sunscreen. For the night, you can use it before retinol serum or a skin oil of your choice.

Give The Ordinary Buffet Peptide Serum a Try

If you like to use skincare products that deliver real results, you will want to try Buffet. This scientifically-formulated combination of technologies and ingredients reduces fine lines and wrinkles, boosts hydration, fades pigmentation, brightens dull, gray skin, and smoothes the surface of the skin making it appear dewy and more youthful.

Real results at an astonishingly low price from a company that you can trust. With a customer guarantee of complete satisfaction, It’s seriously a no-brainer. Be sure to read my other beauty product reviews!