"Buffet" Multi-Technology Peptide Serum

Score breakdown

Our verdict

"Buffet" is The Ordinary's everything-at-once peptide serum, and it is best understood as a well-formulated hydrating serum with a hopeful anti-aging story on top. The name refers to the spread of peptide complexes it stacks together — Matrixyl 3000 and Matrixyl synthe'6 (the palmitoyl peptides), Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8), SYN-AKE-style dipeptides and more — alongside a probiotic ferment and a full amino-acid and NMF hydration base plus multiple weights of hyaluronic acid. On the hydration side it genuinely delivers: skin looks plumper, smoother and better cushioned, and it layers pleasantly under moisturizer. The peptide side is where honesty matters. Peptides are among the gentlest 'anti-aging' actives, with modest, gradual, mostly supportive evidence — nowhere near the strength of a retinoid. Stacking many of them at undisclosed, likely low concentrations looks impressive on the label but does not guarantee proportional results. Treat Buffet as a low-irritation, fragrance-free hydrating serum that may offer a subtle firmness benefit over months — an excellent gentle option for those who cannot tolerate retinoids, not a replacement for one.

At a glance

Key ingredients

Full ingredient list (51)

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.