Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

There was a time in skincare when peptide serums came in two flavors: very expensive and very disappointing. Then The Ordinary released a product called Buffet — a name that captured both its formulation philosophy (pile everything on the plate) and its price-to-performance ratio (all you can eat, surprisingly good). That product has been renamed and reformulated into the Multi-Peptide + HA Serum, but the DNA is the same: throw every proven peptide technology at the problem of aging and let the user decide whether the results justify the approach.

The approach is comprehensive by any standard. Five distinct peptide technologies are present: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), which modulates the neuromuscular signals behind expression lines; Pentapeptide-18, which complements Argireline's mechanism through a different neurotransmitter pathway; Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 (Matrixyl synthe'6), which stimulates six structural proteins in the dermal matrix; the Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Tetrapeptide-7 duo (Matrixyl 3000), which boosts collagen while reducing the inflammation that breaks it down; and Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (Syn-Ake), a venom-mimicking peptide that targets muscle relaxation. Each addresses a different mechanism of aging. Together, they're essentially the topical equivalent of a combination therapy.

What distinguishes this from its more expensive sibling — the Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum — is what it doesn't contain. No copper tripeptide-1 means no blue color, no metallic smell, no restriction against retinoids, and a $12 lower price tag. For many users, these absences are features rather than limitations. The Copper Peptides version demands routine restructuring; this version demands only that you avoid direct acids and vitamin C in the same sitting — a much more manageable constraint that still leaves room for retinoids, the gold standard of anti-aging.

The supporting formula is where The Ordinary's thoughtfulness shows. Lactococcus Ferment Lysate provides a probiotic-derived matrix of amino acids and growth factor-like molecules. Eleven amino acids plus a full complement of NMF components — urea, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, sugars — replenish the skin's natural hydration infrastructure. Dual-form hyaluronic acid (standard and crosspolymer) provides immediate and sustained moisturization. Allantoin adds soothing and skin-conditioning properties. This isn't a formula where peptides float in water and hope for the best — the delivery vehicle is engineered to support both the actives and the skin they're working on.

The texture is pleasant and undemanding. A lightweight, clear serum with a slight gel consistency, it absorbs quickly without stickiness, greasiness, or visible residue. No metallic smell, no unusual color, no sensory drama. Under moisturizer and sunscreen it layers cleanly. The 60ml size — a welcome addition to the reformulated product — makes economic sense for a twice-daily serum and lasts four to six months.

Results follow the standard peptide timeline, which is the one thing about this product that requires managing expectations. Peptides work by signaling your skin's own biological machinery to produce more collagen, assemble more structural proteins, and reduce the inflammatory processes that degrade what's already there. These are real biological processes, and they operate at biological speed — not marketing speed. Hydration improves immediately. Texture smooths within a couple of weeks. Fine-line reduction becomes noticeable at four to eight weeks. Meaningful firmness and elasticity improvement requires eight to twelve weeks of consistent use.

This timeline is where many users part ways with peptide products. In a world of immediate-gratification actives — retinoids that visibly peel within days, AHAs that brighten overnight, vitamin C that delivers an instant glow — peptides ask you to trust a process you can't see working. The users who stick with this product and report positive results are invariably the ones who gave it the two to three months it needs. Those who abandoned it after two weeks were never going to see what it could do.

The review count on Ulta (around 100) reflects the product's relatively recent reformulation rather than any lack of interest. The original Buffet was one of The Ordinary's bestsellers globally, and the reformulated version inherits that reputation while updating the delivery technology. Early reviews are positive for those who gave it adequate time, with the main complaints centering on individual sensitivity reactions (burning or breakouts) that suggest this formula doesn't work for every skin type — a honest reminder that even gentle formulations have exceptions.

At $19.90 — or less per ml in the 60ml size — this is among the most affordable multi-peptide serums available from any reputable brand. The five peptide technologies it contains would cost $60-120 from most competitors, and the supporting ingredient profile (ferment lysate, full amino acid complex, dual HA) adds value that the price barely reflects.

The Multi-Peptide + HA Serum is the anti-aging product for the pragmatist. It won't reorganize your routine, it won't assault your senses, and it won't deliver overnight miracles. What it will do — if you give it the time and consistency it requires — is address aging from five different biochemical angles at a price that makes regular use sustainable. That's not the most exciting sales pitch in skincare. But it might be the most honest one.

Formula

The Science

The five peptide technologies in this formula each target different mechanisms of skin aging, creating a multi-vector approach to the problem.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) was the subject of a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2002) by Blanes-Mira et al., which demonstrated that the peptide inhibits SNARE complex formation — the molecular machinery that drives neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. By reducing catecholamine exocytosis, it decreases the intensity of muscle contractions that create expression lines. While far less potent than injectable neurotoxins, it represents a validated topical approach to dynamic wrinkle reduction.

The Matrixyl peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1/Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38) operate through signaling pathways. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, developed by Sederma, was shown to stimulate synthesis of collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, and laminin-5 — six structural components that decline with age. The Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1/Tetrapeptide-7 duo works through a complementary mechanism: the tripeptide mimics a collagen fragment that signals fibroblasts to produce new collagen, while the tetrapeptide suppresses IL-6 production — an inflammatory cytokine that promotes matrix metalloproteinase activity and collagen degradation.

The extensive amino acid and NMF complex serves a distinct but important function in this context. Published research has established that the skin's natural moisturizing factor — composed of amino acids, PCA, lactate, urea, and sugars — declines with age and environmental exposure. By replenishing these components topically, the formula supports the skin's intrinsic hydration capacity while the peptides work on structural repair. Optimally hydrated skin shows wrinkles less prominently and provides a better substrate for peptide activity.

References

1. A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity — International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2002)

Dermatologist Perspective

Dermatologists view multi-peptide serums as a valid supplementary approach to anti-aging, particularly for patients who cannot tolerate retinoids or prefer a gentler strategy. Board-certified dermatologists note that the peptide technologies in this formula — particularly Matrixyl and Argireline — have published research supporting their efficacy at cosmetic concentrations, though they emphasize that peptides are generally less potent than prescription retinoids for collagen stimulation. The formula's compatibility with retinoids (unlike the copper peptides version) is clinically relevant, as it allows patients to use this serum as a morning complement to an evening retinoid — addressing aging through multiple mechanisms without conflict. Dermatologists appreciate the extensive NMF and amino acid complex as genuinely beneficial for skin hydration and barrier function.

Guidance

Originally known as 'Buffet' — a name that perfectly captured its everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to peptide formulation — this was one of The Ordinary's most beloved and best-selling products. The reformulation under the Multi-Peptide name updated the peptide technologies and delivery system while maintaining the spirit of the original: throw every proven peptide technology at aging and see what sticks. The 60ml size option was added to address the original's most common complaint — that the 30ml ran out too quickly.

About The Ordinary Established Brand (5–20 years)

The Ordinary launched in 2016 under parent company DECIEM and quickly became one of the most recognized names in affordable, ingredient-focused skincare. While the brand lacks proprietary clinical trials on its specific formulations, it builds products around well-studied actives at transparent concentrations, earning widespread dermatologist acknowledgment.

Brand founded: 2016 · Product launched: 2023

Myth vs. Reality

Myth

This is just a watered-down version of the Copper Peptides serum.

Reality

It contains the same five peptide technologies — Argireline, Matrixyl synthe'6, Matrixyl 3000, Syn-Ake, and an additional signaling peptide. The only missing active is copper tripeptide-1. While GHK-Cu is a valuable ingredient, the remaining five peptides address expression lines, structural protein production, and collagen-degrading inflammation through mechanisms that copper peptides don't touch. This is a comprehensive formula in its own right.

Myth

Peptide serums don't actually work — they can't penetrate deep enough.

Reality

The palmitoylated peptides in this formula (Matrixyl variants) are specifically designed with fatty acid attachments that enhance skin penetration. While topical peptides are less potent than injectable ones, published research on Matrixyl and Argireline demonstrates measurable improvements in wrinkle depth and skin firmness at cosmetic concentrations.

FAQ

Common Praise

"Visible improvement in skin firmness, hydration, and elasticity with consistent use"

"Lightweight texture that absorbs well without greasiness or residue"

"Good value for a multi-peptide serum compared to luxury competitors"

"Less restrictive than the Copper Peptides version for routine building"

Common Complaints

"Some users report burning or irritation upon application"

"Results can be subtle and difficult to attribute specifically to this product"

"A few users experienced breakouts during the initial use period"

"Peptide benefits require weeks of patience that some users lack"

Notable Endorsements

Widely recommended as an entry-level anti-aging serum in skincare communitiesThe original Buffet formulation was one of The Ordinary's most popular products globally

Appears In

best serum for aging best affordable peptide serum best serum for dullness best anti aging serum under 20

Related Conditions

aging dullness texture dryness dehydration

Related Ingredients

peptides hyaluronic acid amino acids