ADVERTISEMENT INFO: THIS BLOG POST USES AFFILIATE LINKS. I RECEIVED NO MONEY TO WRITE IT. PLEASE READ DISCLAIMER.

I had a comment on the video where I showed The Ordinary „Buffet“ + Copper Peptides 1% for the first time that pretty much summed up why I had put off buying it for so long: „I don’t want to try this one. The original “Buffet” is so good already, if this one is even better, I know that I simply must buy it, and it is double the price!”

Well, if that was your comment, you should stop reading right now, because today I am going to compare the original The Ordinary “Buffet” Serum to the “Buffet” + Copper Peptide 1% on and tell you which one is better!

I couldn´t however do that without talking a little bit about Peptides in skincare in general and Copper Peptides in particular first, as this is the main difference between the two. And of course I summed it all up in a video for you, just in case you can’t be bothered reading.

What are peptides?

I am not going to go too much in depth, as I have another blogpost on peptides and what they are that you can read here, but in short, peptides are proteins made up of aminoacids.

These peptides can do different thing, for example inhibit or stimulate enzymes, improve wound healing and act as cell transmitter.

The ones that are used in anti-aging skincare usually increase collagen production for firmness or help with hydration.

And what are Copper Peptides?

Some peptides have a so called metal affinity, which means translated that they bind really tightly to copper, when exposed to it. If a peptide binds to copper, you get a copper peptide.

Copper peptides work in increasing collagen production, so they do some extra work in firming your skin.

Are there downsides to using Copper Peptides?

Yes and no.

There are no studies documenting severe side effects when copper peptides in skincare are used as advised by the manufacturer. There are studies that show that ingestion of too many copper peptides can lead to nausea and diarrhea, but that should really not be a problem with them in skincare.

But as studies aren’t t everything, I wanted to share anecdotal reports of side effects that can be found:

Sagging skin and wrinkles

Which is, strangely enough, exactly what we want to combat with using them in the first place. Theoretically, too much copper can trigger the production of metalloproteinases, which are enzymes that break down collagen.

I think the key is „too much“ and „overuse“ here, if you stick to the recommended time and dosage, which for The Ordinary Copper Peptides + Buffet is a few drops morning and night.

Skin irritation and rashes

Some people have reacted with rashes to products containing copper peptides, and if that occurs, of course stop using them immediately. I want to point out however that you can react with rashes to every product, it depends on your skin.

Increased hair growth

Copper Peptides have shown to stimulate the hair follicle in the same way that they stimulate other dermal cells, which is why they can be used to promote hair growth in certain cases. This is not true for all types of hair loss and needs a specific concentration, but might be something to keep in mind if you suffer from a condition that goes along with excessive facial hair growth.

I am your typical blonde female, my peach fuzz is just that, a peach fuzz, and it was not affected in any way by using the Copper Peptides.

The Ordinary Buffet vs Copper Peptides + Buffet

Price

Probably the biggest distinction between the two. While the original Buffet one retails for 14,80 €, the version with Copper Peptides sets you back 28,90 €, so it is almost double the price for the same amount of money. The reason for that increase in price with such little difference in ingredients is solely the Copper Peptides – they are a pretty expensive ingredient, so adding 1% of them is responsible for the increase in price.

Color and scent

Buffet is a clear and odorless liquid, while the Copper Peptides add a blue tint and a slightly metallic scent to their product.

The blue tint is noticeable when applied, but disappears once it sinks in the skin.

Texture

Both are a little firmer than your regular watery serum and leave a slight tackiness on the skin that needs a few minutes to disappear, but both is stronger in the Copper Peptides + Buffet one.

pH

While Buffet is around 4.5 to 5.5, so right in the skins ideal range, the Copper Peptides version is slightly more alkaline and ranges between 6 and 7.

I admit that I doubt that this is important in the performance though.

Ingredients

This is the full ingredient list of Buffet:

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

And here is the full ingredient list of Copper Peptides + Buffet:

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

As you can see, they are pretty similar with the exception of the added Copper Tripeptide – 1 to the second formula. Of course the addition of 1% Copper Peptides will alter the concentration of the other ingredients ever so slightly, but apart from that there isn’t much difference there.

Results on the skin

Because that is what you came here for in the end.

I used both split face for a few weeks and then only the Copper Peptides one for another few weeks, and I can honestly say I did not notice a difference.

But could I have expected to see one? I don’t think so.

Increased collagen production and going hand in hand with that a reduced loss in firmness are not something you can expect to see within a few weeks and with the bare eye. Peptides are part of the preventative area of skincare, and prevention is hard to measure.

Which one should you get?

That is difficult to say. Copper Peptides do have some promising research and seem to have a slight advantage in both effectiveness and treating hyperpigmentation, but if you are on a budget, „Buffet“ is certainly a really nice formula to get as well. Research on all peptides is sparse, so whether or not they really have an effect in human skin in the long term is still unclear, and with that in mind not investing in the more expensive version might be the better alternative.

Shop this post

Don’t forget to check out the Discount Code Page on top if you want to save some money on your next skincare purchase, or click here to let me build a personalized skincare routine for you.
If you want to get more involved and pick my next topics or see exclusive behind the scenes content, don’t forget you can head over here and become a YouTube Channel Member!