Skincare is getting weirdly complicated. One day you're told you need a ten-step routine, and the next, everyone is "skin streaming" with just two products. Amidst all that noise, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum has kind of become that reliable friend who’s always around but rarely gets the spotlight they deserve. You might remember it by its old name, "Buffet." DECIEM—the parent company—decided to rename it a couple of years ago to be more "transparent" about what’s actually inside. Honestly, the new name is a mouthful, but the formula inside that frosted glass bottle is still one of the most sophisticated things you can buy for under twenty bucks.
Peptides are basically messengers. They tell your skin to do stuff, like produce more collagen or stop freaking out after a long day in the sun. But not all peptides are the same. This specific serum isn't just a random mix; it's a calculated cocktail.
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Why the "Buffet" Name Change Actually Matters
When Brandon Truaxe started The Ordinary, he wanted to disrupt the industry by calling out "overpriced" ingredients. "Buffet" was a cheeky nod to the fact that the serum had a bit of everything. However, as the brand evolved under the Estée Lauder umbrella, the focus shifted toward clinical clarity.
The transition to The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum wasn't just a marketing whim. It was about SEO, sure, but also about helping consumers understand they are getting a specific technology: peptides plus Hyaluronic Acid. If you’re looking at the ingredients list, you’ll see things like Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1. It sounds like a high school chemistry nightmare. In reality, it’s a focused attempt to target multiple signs of aging at once without making you choose between a firming serum and a hydrating one.
What’s Actually Inside the Bottle?
Let’s get nerdy for a second. This serum uses several well-studied peptide complexes.
First, there’s Matrixyl 3000. This is a trademarked composition of palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1. Studies, including those published in Molecular Pharmaceutics, suggest these guys work together to support surface-level skin repair. Then you’ve got Matrixyl Synthe'6, which is aimed at the forehead lines and crow's feet.
But the real "secret sauce" is the SYN-AKE peptide complex.
It’s designed to mimic the effects of Waglerin-1, a protein found in the venom of the Temple Viper. Don't worry, you aren't putting snake venom on your face. It's a synthetic version that works sort of like a topical "lite" version of a neurotoxin, helping to relax the look of expression lines. If you've ever felt like your forehead is constantly "on," this is why people swear by this serum.
You also get Relistase, which targets skin elasticity by inhibiting elastase. As we age, our skin's "snap-back" ability fades. Relistase tries to keep that elasticity from breaking down too fast. All of this is suspended in a base of multiple weights of Hyaluronic Acid. This is crucial because peptides can be a bit drying on their own for some skin types. The HA ensures the skin stays plump while the peptides do the heavy lifting in the background.
The Texture Grumble (And How to Fix It)
If you’ve used it, you know. It’s a bit... tacky.
Some people hate the way The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum feels on the skin. It’s a clear, slightly viscous liquid that can feel sticky if you apply too much. This is the biggest mistake people make. You only need about three drops for your entire face. If you’re slathering it on like a moisturizer, your face will feel like a Post-it note for twenty minutes.
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Apply it to slightly damp skin. This helps the Hyaluronic Acid pull moisture in and helps the peptides spread more evenly. Give it a full minute to sink in before you move on to your oils or creams. If it pilled under your makeup today, you probably didn't wait long enough or you used way too much product. It happens.
The Conflict: What You Can't Mix
This is where things get tricky. The Ordinary is famous for its "don't mix this with that" rules.
You shouldn't use The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum in the same routine as strong acids or Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid). Why? Because peptides are sensitive. High acidity (low pH) can cause "deamidation," which is just a fancy way of saying it breaks the peptide bonds and makes the expensive ingredients useless.
- Morning: Use your Vitamin C.
- Evening: Use the Multi-Peptide + HA Serum.
Simple. Don't try to be a chemist in your bathroom. If you use a copper peptide serum—like the blue one from The Ordinary—you definitely don't need this one. They overlap too much. Using both is just throwing money down the drain.
Real Talk on Results
Don't expect a facelift in a bottle. Peptides take time.
You’ll see hydration benefits almost immediately because of the HA. Your skin will look "bouncy." But the actual line-smoothing effects? Those take 8 to 12 weeks of consistent, twice-daily use. Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re looking for instant "blurring," get a primer. If you’re looking for long-term structural support, stay the course with the peptides.
Common Misconceptions and Errors
A lot of people think this serum is a replacement for moisturizer. It isn't. It’s a treatment. If you have dry skin, this won't be enough to keep your skin barrier happy through a cold winter. You must seal it in with an emollient.
Another weird myth is that you can't use it with Retinol. Actually, you can! Peptides and Retinol are a power couple. While Retinol speeds up cell turnover, peptides provide the "building blocks" (amino acids) to help that new skin be as healthy as possible. They work on different pathways, so using them together at night is actually a pro move.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re ready to actually get the most out of this serum, here is the blueprint:
1. The Patch Test is Mandatory.
Peptides are generally well-tolerated, but this formula has ferments and various complexes. Test it on your forearm for 24 hours. If you turn red or itchy, it’s a no-go.
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2. Audit Your Routine.
Check your current toner or "active" step. If you’re using a Glycolic Acid toner every night, you need to move this serum to the mornings or swap days. Do not layer them.
3. Application Technique.
Dispense two to three drops onto your fingertips. Press—don't rub—into damp skin. Pay extra attention to the forehead and the area around the eyes where "dynamic" lines form.
4. Storage Matters.
Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place. Peptides are proteins, and proteins can degrade if they’re sitting in a hot, sun-drenched bathroom window.
5. Manage Your Expectations.
Take a "before" photo in natural light. Check again in three months. The changes with peptides are subtle and cumulative. You’re playing the long game here.
This serum isn't a miracle. It’s just solid, well-researched science at a price point that doesn't feel like a scam. Use it correctly, be patient, and stop using too much of it. Your skin—and your wallet—will thank you.