Peptides: Signal, Carrier, Copper — Which Ones Actually Do Anything?
'Peptides' is one word standing in for a dozen unrelated molecules with wildly different evidence — most serums are hope in a bottle, but a few classes earn their place.
Promising for Aging
What Makes This Different
The only product in The Ordinary lineup containing copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) at a stated 1% concentration alongside seven additional peptides. While the regular Buffet (Multi-Peptide Serum) offers the same peptide complex without copper, this upgraded version adds GHK-Cu's unique tissue-remodeling and wound-healing properties — making it essentially a supercharged version of one of the brand's most popular products.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% Review
Copper Peptide Powerhouse
serum serum clinical Paraben Free Fungal Acne Safe Cruelty Free Vegan
The Ordinary's most ambitious anti-aging formula packs 1% GHK-Cu copper peptide alongside seven additional peptides, a probiotic ferment, and a full NMF-replicating complex into a thirty-two-dollar blue bottle. It's the most ingredient-dense product in the brand's lineup, and while the conflict restrictions are real, the formulation sophistication at this price point is genuinely remarkable.
Launched 2018 All-year use PAO: 6 months
Run it through our tools Clashes with my routine? Pregnancy-safe? Find a cheaper dupe Patch-test it first
Verdicts All aging products →All dullness products →All dryness products →All dehydration products →
How well it fits each concern
Verdict by concern tap a concern for the case
Promisingfor AgingIn your profileYou chose · Peptides has trial-level evidence for aging but no guideline or regulatory standing yet — promising, short of a recommendation; the other actives here are not yet assessed for it.
The case for it
- Multi-Peptide Complex has trial-level evidence for this concern but no guideline or regulatory standing yet.
- It is plausibly present at a working level, though the concentration is not declared.
- The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.
What would change this: A declared concentration would move this to a firmer reading of the dose.
Same rule for everyone. “Promising” is the verdict on 7,858 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R9p decided 7,858 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
Show the work
- Rule
- R9p — 0.5.0: 'Unproven' beside three filled dots read as one question answered twice with opposite words (7,018 rows). The chip measures standing, the dots measure trial volume; where the row carries at least one RCT or a tier-2 source (moderate dots) and the active is present at a working level, the honest word is Promising. Unproven is reserved for plausible-standing rows with limited or weak evidence, or an under-dosed form. Same rank as Unproven — a bet either way; the dots order them. · the full register
- Carrying active
- Multi-Peptide Complex
- Standing
- plausible — trials support it
- Form
- plausible — studied range 0.0003%, from the trials on the row; needs leave-on contact
- Tolerability
- gentle
- Row checked
- against its sources on July 17, 2026 (evidence table ev-2026.09-r228)
The studies behind the evidence row
- Oral and topical peptides for skin aging: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials — Frontiers in Medicine (2026), opened July 16, 2026
- Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin — International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2005), opened July 16, 2026
- The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study — American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2013), opened July 16, 2026
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in Cosmeceuticals—A Review of Skin Permeability and Efficacy — International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2025), opened July 16, 2026
- Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective — BioImpacts (2024), opened July 16, 2026
Promisingfor DullnessIn your profileYou chose · Hyaluronic Acid has trial-level evidence for dullness but no guideline or regulatory standing yet — promising, short of a recommendation; the other actives here are not yet assessed for it.
The case for it
- Dual-Weight Hyaluronic Acid has trial-level evidence for this concern but no guideline or regulatory standing yet.
- It is plausibly present at a working level, though the concentration is not declared.
- The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.
What would change this: A declared concentration would move this to a firmer reading of the dose.
Same rule for everyone. “Promising” is the verdict on 7,858 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R9p decided 7,858 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
Show the work
- Rule
- R9p — 0.5.0: 'Unproven' beside three filled dots read as one question answered twice with opposite words (7,018 rows). The chip measures standing, the dots measure trial volume; where the row carries at least one RCT or a tier-2 source (moderate dots) and the active is present at a working level, the honest word is Promising. Unproven is reserved for plausible-standing rows with limited or weak evidence, or an under-dosed form. Same rank as Unproven — a bet either way; the dots order them. · the full register
- Carrying active
- Dual-Weight Hyaluronic Acid
- Standing
- plausible — trials support it
- Form
- plausible
- Tolerability
- gentle
- Row checked
- against its sources on July 17, 2026 (evidence table ev-2026.09-r228)
The studies behind the evidence row
- Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence — Dermatologic Therapy (2022), opened July 16, 2026
Supporting rolefor DrynessIn your profileYou chose · Nothing here targets dryness directly; humectant hydration is the recognised companion to treating it, and this serum does that without known triggers.
The case for it
- Lactococcus Ferment Lysate has no evidence row yet for this concern — it is in the research queue.
- The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.
What would change this: A researched evidence row for the lead active would replace this with a verdict.
Same rule for everyone. “Supporting role” is the verdict on 8,197 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R8 decided 4,250 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
Show the work
- Rule
- R8 — The category's job (barrier care, humectant hydration, gentle cleansing, photoprotection) is the documented supportive role for this concern. This is the honest verdict for a moisturizer on an acne page. · the full register
- Carrying active
- Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
- Standing
- not assessed
- Form
- plausible
- Tolerability
- gentle
Good choicefor DehydrationIn your profileYou chose · Hyaluronic Acid is a reference standard by mechanism for dehydration; this serum carries it.
The case for it
- Dual-Weight Hyaluronic Acid has trial-supported standing for this concern.
- It is plausibly present at a working level, though the concentration is not declared.
- The formula carries none of the triggers this concern is sensitive to.
What would change this: A declared concentration would move this to a firmer reading of the dose.
Same rule for everyone. “Good choice” is the verdict on 9,564 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R5 decided 9,072 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
Show the work
- Rule
- R5 — Trial-supported or guideline-supported active, adequately or plausibly dosed. · the full register
- Carrying active
- Dual-Weight Hyaluronic Acid
- Standing
- supported — its mechanism is established
- Form
- plausible — studied range 0.1%, from the trials on the row; needs leave-on contact; judge it after ~1 weeks
- Tolerability
- gentle
- Row checked
- against its sources on July 17, 2026 (evidence table ev-2026.09-r228)
The studies behind the evidence row
- Draelos ZD, Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures — hyaluronic acid classified as a humectant water-binding agent holding many times its weight in water — reference work
Where our review and the verdict differ. The review below was written on the formulation and the published trials; the verdicts above apply the stricter standing test in our methodology — an active earns a recommendation only with guideline or regulatory standing for the concern. Where the two disagree, the verdict is DermApproved’s position.
A verdict is DermApproved’s assessment of how well a product’s ingredients fit a concern — never a claim about what the product treats. Evidence dots and collected reviews sit beside it and are never blended in. Rules 0.5.1 · evidence table ev-2026.09-r228 · how we decide
Assessment
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 1% GHK-Cu copper peptide backed by substantial independent published research
- ✓ Eight total peptides including Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl Synthe'6, Argireline, and SYN-AKE
- ✓ Complete NMF-replicating hydration system with amino acids, sugars, and dual hyaluronic acid
- ✓ Probiotic ferment lysate strengthens barrier function alongside the peptide complex
- ✓ Extraordinary value for the ingredient density at $32 for 30mL
- ✓ Oil-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free, and vegan-friendly
- ✓ Fungal acne safe formula despite the complex ingredient list
Cons
- ✗ Extensive product conflicts — cannot be used with direct acids, pure vitamin C, or other copper peptides
- ✗ Blue color can temporarily tint skin and stain white fabric
- ✗ Mild stinging upon first application for some users, especially on compromised skin
- ✗ Sticky texture takes several minutes to fully absorb
- ✗ Expensive by The Ordinary standards at $32, though exceptional value objectively
Review
Full Review
Thirty-two dollars is the most The Ordinary will ask you to spend on a single product, and that pricing context matters. At any other brand, a serum containing 1% GHK-Cu copper peptide alongside seven additional peptides, a probiotic ferment, a complete amino acid complex, and dual-weight hyaluronic acid would command a price tag north of a hundred dollars. The Ordinary's version costs less than most competitors charge for a basic vitamin C serum. The blue liquid in this dropper bottle is quietly one of the most audacious value propositions in skincare.
The star ingredient is copper tripeptide-1, also known as GHK-Cu — a naturally occurring peptide complex that has been the subject of genuinely impressive published research. Unlike many peptides whose evidence rests primarily on manufacturer-sponsored studies and cell culture models, GHK-Cu has a substantial body of independent peer-reviewed literature documenting its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production, promote wound healing, attract immune cells for tissue remodeling, and act as an antioxidant. At 1% concentration, this formula provides GHK-Cu at a dose consistent with the published research.
Surrounding the copper peptide is a seven-member supporting cast that reads like a who's who of peptide skincare. Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 form the commercially known Matrixyl 3000 combination, proven to stimulate collagen production. Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 (Matrixyl Synthe'6) targets six components of the skin matrix. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) targets expression lines through neurotransmitter modulation. Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate (SYN-AKE) mimics waglerin-1 peptide from temple viper venom to relax muscle tension. It is an ingredient list that seems almost recklessly ambitious for a thirty-two-dollar product.
Lactococcus ferment lysate, listed third in the formula, provides a probiotic dimension that most peptide serums lack entirely. Ferment lysates have been shown to strengthen the skin barrier and support the skin's own immune function — creating a healthier cellular environment for the peptides to do their signaling work. Think of it as preparing the ground before planting.
The hydration system is equally thorough. Eleven amino acids mirror the skin's natural moisturizing factor. Five sugars (trehalose, fructose, glucose, maltose, and the disaccharide trehalose again) provide osmotic hydration. Urea, sodium PCA, PCA, and sodium lactate add additional NMF components. Dual-weight hyaluronic acid — standard sodium hyaluronate and the crosslinked polymer version — provides hydration at the surface and within the stratum corneum. This is not a serum that requires another hydrating product underneath it. It is, by itself, a comprehensive hydration system with peptides built in.
The practical experience starts with the color. This serum is blue — genuinely, noticeably blue — from the copper peptide complex. The first application is a small psychological adventure. You are putting blue liquid on your face and trusting that it will absorb without leaving you looking like you lost a fight with a Smurf. It does absorb, and the blue tint disappears within minutes on most skin tones, but applying too much or not allowing absorption time before bed can leave faint marks on pillowcases.
The texture is thicker and stickier than The Ordinary's lighter water serums. It takes a few minutes to fully absorb and can feel slightly tacky before it does. It's not a criticism but a realistic expectation to set — copper peptide formulations tend to be more viscous than basic hyaluronic acid serums, and the amino acid and sugar complex adds to the density. Once absorbed, the finish is dewy and hydrated without being greasy.
The conflicts list is the product's most significant practical limitation. The Ordinary advises against using this with direct acids (AHA, BHA, azelaic acid at high concentrations), pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and ethylated ascorbic acid), and other strong actives. Copper ions can oxidize vitamin C. Acidic environments destabilize copper peptides. This means if you use this twice daily, you lose the ability to use several popular active categories in the same routine. The workaround — using copper peptides in one routine and acids/vitamin C in the other — is simple but requires planning that more casual skincare users may find annoying.
Some users report mild stinging on first application, particularly on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin. This is a known characteristic of copper peptide products and not a sign of an adverse reaction. It typically resolves within seconds and diminishes with continued use. However, those with genuinely sensitive or rosacea-prone skin should patch test carefully, as copper peptides can exacerbate sensitivity in some individuals.
Results follow the peptide timeline — gradual, cumulative, and dependent on consistent use. The hydration benefits are immediate. Skin texture improvements appear within two to four weeks. The deeper structural effects of GHK-Cu's collagen-stimulating and tissue-remodeling activity become noticeable at eight to twelve weeks. It's not a quick-fix product. It rewards patience and consistency.
The product's value argument is almost absurdly strong. A competing copper peptide serum from a prestige brand might cost a hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars for the same volume with fewer additional peptides. The Ordinary delivers GHK-Cu at 1% alongside seven additional peptides, a probiotic ferment, and a complete NMF complex for a fifth of that price. Even within The Ordinary's own lineup, the regular Buffet (Multi-Peptide Serum without copper) costs seventeen dollars and ninety cents — the fourteen-dollar premium for the copper peptide version is a small price for the most researched signaling peptide in dermatology.
Formula
Key Ingredients
The hero actives that drive this product's performance.
| Ingredient | Function | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) (1%) | The formula's signature ingredient — GHK-Cu is one of the most researched peptides in dermatology, demonstrated to stimulate collagen synthesis, promote wound healing, and attract immune cells for tissue remodeling. At 1% concentration in this formula, it works synergistically with the seven other peptides to provide multi-pathway support for aging skin's structural recovery. | Not yet assessed |
| Multi-Peptide Complex (7 additional peptides) | Seven complementary peptides — including Matrixyl 3000 (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 + palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7), Matrixyl Synthe'6 (palmitoyl tripeptide-38), Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8), and SYN-AKE (dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate) — each targeting different aging mechanisms from collagen stimulation to expression line reduction. Together with the copper peptide, they create an eight-peptide anti-aging system. | Limited for Aging |
| Lactococcus Ferment Lysate | A probiotic-derived ferment listed third in this formula, providing barrier-strengthening and skin renewal support. In this peptide-heavy formulation, the ferment lysate creates a healthier skin environment for the peptides to work in — optimizing the cellular reception of their signaling. | Not yet assessed |
| Amino Acid + Sugar Complex (NMF) | A comprehensive natural moisturizing factor replica including eleven amino acids plus sugars (trehalose, fructose, glucose, maltose), urea, and PCA — providing the hydration infrastructure that keeps skin plump while the peptides work on structural repair beneath the surface. | Not yet assessed |
| Dual-Weight Hyaluronic Acid | Sodium hyaluronate and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer provide hydration at two molecular weights — the crosspolymer creating a longer-lasting moisture film on the surface while the standard form penetrates deeper. This sustained hydration supports the peptides' structural work by maintaining optimal moisture levels. | Established mechanism for Dehydration · established mechanism |
Ingredient standings describe the active at treatment-level doses and vehicles; this product's own condition grades weigh its actual formula.
Full INCI List
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Copper Tripeptide-1, 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, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
✓ Pregnancy Safe ✓ Fragrance Free✓ Alcohol Free✓ Oil Free✓ Silicone Free✓ Paraben Free✓ Sulfate Free✓ Cruelty Free✓ Vegan✓ Fungal Acne Safe
Copper Tripeptide-1
Compatibility
Skin Match
Routine Step
serum
Time of Day
AM & PM
Layering Tips
Apply after water-based treatments and before oils and creams. Do NOT use with direct acids (AHA/BHA), pure vitamin C, or other copper peptide products in the same routine. The distinctive blue color is normal and comes from the copper peptide complex.
Results Timeline
Immediate hydration and plumping from the hyaluronic acid and amino acid complex. Skin appears smoother within 2-4 weeks. More significant firming and structural improvements at 8-12 weeks of consistent use. The copper peptide's tissue-remodeling effects are gradual and cumulative.
MoisturizerHyaluronic acid serumNiacinamide (separate routine)Oils
Planning a combo? Check it against what you already use Direct acids (AHA/BHA)Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)Strong retinoidsOther copper peptide products
See where it fits — layering order & night-splitting
Sample AM Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Sample PM Routine
- Cleanser
- The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
- Moisturizer or facial oil
Evidence
Science & Expert Perspective
The Science
Copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is one of the most extensively researched signaling peptides in dermatology. Originally isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in the 1970s, GHK-Cu has been the subject of over 150 published studies documenting its biological activities.
A comprehensive review published in BioMed Research International (2015) detailed GHK-Cu's demonstrated abilities: stimulating collagen production in fibroblasts, increasing expression of integrins for tissue remodeling, attracting macrophages and mast cells for wound healing, and acting as a potent antioxidant. The review concluded that GHK-Cu represents one of the most biologically active naturally occurring peptide complexes known.
The collagen-stimulating effects are particularly well-documented. Research reported in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology demonstrated that GHK-Cu upregulates expression of collagen types I and III, as well as elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and other extracellular matrix components. Importantly, GHK-Cu appears to act as a master regulator — resetting cellular gene expression patterns toward a healthier state rather than simply boosting one pathway.
The companion peptides add complementary mechanisms. Matrixyl 3000 (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 + palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7) was shown in a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2009) to stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce wrinkle depth in clinical trials. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) targets a completely different aging mechanism — modulating SNARE complex formation to reduce neurotransmitter release, which relaxes facial muscles and softens expression lines.
Lactococcus ferment lysate adds a probiotic dimension. Research reported in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology has demonstrated that probiotic-derived ingredients can strengthen the skin barrier, modulate the skin microbiome, and reduce markers of inflammation — creating a more supportive environment for the peptides' repair signaling.
- GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. — BioMed Research International (2015)
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists recognize GHK-Cu as one of the most evidence-backed peptides available in consumer skincare, with a research pedigree that few other peptides can match. Most dermatologists find that at 1% concentration, this product provides GHK-Cu at a clinically relevant dose — a rarity in consumer products where copper peptide inclusion is often at trace levels. The multi-peptide approach is considered scientifically sound, targeting collagen stimulation, expression line relaxation, and barrier support through complementary mechanisms. Dermatologists commonly advise patients to use copper peptide products in a separate routine from acids and vitamin C, and to start gradually if they have sensitive or reactive skin. The value proposition at this price point is frequently noted as exceptional.
Guidance
Usage & Recommendations
How to Use
Apply 3-4 drops to clean skin morning and/or evening. Gently press into the face and neck with fingertips. Follow with moisturizer or facial oil. Do NOT use in the same routine as direct acids (AHA, BHA), pure vitamin C, or other copper peptide products. If using these actives, apply copper peptides in one routine (e.g., PM) and acids/vitamin C in the other (e.g., AM). Allow the blue serum to fully absorb (2-3 minutes) before applying subsequent products or lying on a pillowcase.
Value Assessment
At thirty-two dollars for 30mL, this product delivers a formulation that would cost five to ten times more from prestige peptide brands. The 1% GHK-Cu alone is an expensive raw material, and the seven additional peptides, probiotic ferment, and complete NMF complex add substantial formulation cost. Within The Ordinary's lineup, the fourteen-dollar premium over the regular Buffet buys you the most researched signaling peptide in dermatology. For serious anti-aging seekers willing to work around the product conflicts, this represents one of the strongest value propositions in the peptide serum category at any price point.
Who Should Buy
Anti-aging enthusiasts who want the most ingredient-dense peptide serum at an accessible price point. Those interested in copper peptide science who don't want to spend over a hundred dollars for a competing product. Skincare routine builders willing to organize their AM/PM schedules around product conflicts to maximize active ingredient diversity.
Who Should Skip
Those with very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin who may react to copper peptides. Minimalists who don't want to manage product conflicts — the regular Buffet (without copper) is simpler to incorporate. Anyone unwilling to deal with the blue tint or slightly sticky texture. If your routine is built around daily vitamin C and acids, the conflicts make this product impractical.
Ready to try The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%?
Buy at Amazon ♥ Details
Product Details
Texture
Medium-weight, slightly viscous serum with a distinctive blue hue from the copper peptide. Can feel slightly sticky upon application but absorbs within a few minutes. Not as lightweight as a typical water serum.
Scent
Faint metallic note from the copper peptide — no added fragrance. Most users do not find it objectionable.
Packaging
Glass dropper bottle with a pipette dispenser. The blue-tinted serum is visible through the glass. Standard 30mL Ordinary packaging.
dewylightweight
What to Expect on First Use
The distinctive blue color is immediately noticeable. Some users experience mild tingling or stinging on first application, particularly on sensitized or compromised skin — this typically resolves within seconds and diminishes with continued use. Skin feels hydrated and slightly plumped immediately. The blue tint may temporarily stain the skin if too much is applied but disappears upon absorption.
How Long It Lasts
Around 2-3 months when applied morning and night
Best Season
All Year
Leaping Bunny CertifiedVegan
Background
The Story Behind This Product
Originally launched in 2018 as 'Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%' and later renamed to 'Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%' as part of The Ordinary's rebrand, this serum represents the brand's most ambitious anti-aging formula. GHK-Cu is an expensive peptide to source and stabilize, which explains why this is one of The Ordinary's pricier offerings at thirty-two dollars — still a fraction of what competing copper peptide products charge.
About The Ordinary Established Brand (5–20 years)
The Ordinary, launched in 2016 under parent company DECIEM, disrupted the skincare industry with its radical transparency model — naming products after their active ingredients and concentrations, and pricing them at a fraction of competitors. The brand has built massive consumer trust through its no-nonsense approach.
Brand founded: 2016 · Product launched: 2018
Myth vs. Reality
Common Myths
Myth
The blue color means this product will stain your skin permanently.
Reality
The blue hue comes from the copper peptide complex and is entirely cosmetic. It absorbs into the skin within minutes and does not stain permanently. Applying an appropriate amount (3-4 drops) rather than flooding the face minimizes any temporary blue tint. White pillowcases may show faint blue marks if applied immediately before bed — allow a few minutes for absorption.
Myth
You can use copper peptides with any other active ingredient.
Reality
Copper peptides are notably reactive. The Ordinary advises against combining this product with direct acids, pure vitamin C, and other strong actives in the same routine. Copper can oxidize vitamin C, reducing its efficacy, and acidic pH environments can destabilize the peptide complex. Use copper peptides in one routine and acids/vitamin C in another (AM/PM split).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between The Ordinary Buffet and Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%?
Both contain the same seven-peptide complex, amino acid blend, and dual hyaluronic acid system. The Copper Peptides version adds 1% copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu), which provides additional collagen stimulation and tissue-remodeling benefits not found in the regular Buffet. The trade-off is a higher price ($32 vs $17.90) and more product conflicts — copper peptides cannot be used with direct acids or pure vitamin C.
Why can't I use this with vitamin C or acids?
Copper ions can oxidize L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), rendering it ineffective. Acidic environments (below pH 3.5) can also destabilize the copper peptide complex. To use both, apply copper peptides in your PM routine and vitamin C/acids in your AM routine, or alternate days.
Why does this serum sting when I apply it?
Mild tingling upon initial application is a common experience with copper peptide products and typically resolves within seconds. It is not a sign of an adverse reaction unless accompanied by persistent redness or swelling. The tingling usually diminishes after the first few days of use as skin adjusts. If stinging is severe, try applying fewer drops or buffering with a moisturizer.
Is 1% copper peptides a good concentration?
One percent is a meaningful concentration for copper tripeptide-1. Most published research on GHK-Cu has used concentrations in this range, and it provides a balance between efficacy and tolerability. Higher concentrations increase the risk of irritation without proportionally increasing benefits. At 1%, this is one of the more generously dosed copper peptide products available at any price point.
Will this product stain my pillowcase?
It can, if applied immediately before bed. The blue color from the copper peptide may transfer to white fabric while the serum is still wet on the skin. Allow 5-10 minutes for full absorption before contact with pillowcases. Any staining that does occur typically washes out easily.
Has this product been renamed?
Yes — The Ordinary renamed 'Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%' to 'Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%' as part of a broader product rebrand. The formulation remains the same. Both names refer to the identical product.
Reviews
What Reviewers Tend to Say
Recurring themes our editors read across retailer reviews of this product — summaries in our words, not quotations, and not a substitute for your own patch test.
Skin looks noticeably firmer and more radiant over time
Incredible ingredient list for the price point
The blue color makes application fun and easy to track
Works well as a standalone anti-aging step
Hydrating enough to use without additional serum
Blue tint can temporarily stain skin and fabric
Stings or tingles on first application for some users
Many product conflicts limit what it can be paired with
Expensive by The Ordinary standards at $32
Sticky texture takes time to absorb