Which ordinary serum is best for aging?
When it comes to fighting the signs of aging, serums are your secret weapon. These concentrated treatments deliver powerful active ingredients deep into your skin, targeting wrinkles, fine lines, loss of firmness, and uneven tone. But with The Ordinary’s extensive lineup, which serums should you actually invest in for anti-aging results?
Let’s break down the best options based on your specific concerns.
The Top Anti-Aging Serums from The Ordinary
For Overall Anti-Aging: « Buffet » Serum
The Ordinary « Buffet » is the ultimate multi-tasker and a perfect starting point for anti-aging. This serum combines multiple peptide complexes, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid to target multiple signs of aging simultaneously.
What it does:
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin texture and smoothness
- Boosts hydration
- Supports skin repair
Best for: Those who want an all-in-one anti-aging serum without targeting one specific concern.
How to use: Apply morning and evening after cleansing, before heavier creams.
For Deep Wrinkles: Matrixyl 10% + HA
If you’re dealing with deeper, more established wrinkles, Matrixyl 10% + HA is your go-to. Matrixyl (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7) is a powerful peptide complex clinically proven to reduce wrinkle depth and improve skin firmness.
What it does:
- Targets deep wrinkles and creases
- Stimulates collagen production
- Improves skin density and firmness
- Works particularly well on forehead lines and around the mouth
Best for: Mature skin with pronounced wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
How to use: Apply morning and/or evening. Can be used with « Buffet » for enhanced results—use Matrixyl first, wait a few minutes, then apply « Buffet. »
For Advanced Anti-Aging: « Buffet » + Copper Peptides 1%
Think of this as « Buffet » on steroids. « Buffet » + Copper Peptides 1% adds copper peptides to the original formula, offering enhanced anti-aging benefits.
What it does:
- Promotes skin regeneration and healing
- Improves firmness and elasticity
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines
- Helps with overall skin health and vitality
Best for: Those wanting maximum anti-aging benefits and already comfortable with active ingredients.
Important note: Don’t use copper peptides with Vitamin C or direct acids in the same routine—they can interact negatively.
How to use: Apply in the evening after cleansing. Alternate with retinol nights if using both.
For Texture and Fine Lines: Argireline Solution 10%
Argireline Solution 10% (acetyl hexapeptide-8) works similarly to Botox but topically—it helps relax facial muscles to reduce expression lines.
What it does:
- Reduces expression lines (forehead, crow’s feet, around eyes)
- Smooths fine lines
- Prevents new lines from forming
Best for: Dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions.
How to use: Apply morning and evening to areas prone to expression lines. Works best when used consistently over time.
For Sagging Skin: Amino Acids + B5
While technically more of a hydration serum, Amino Acids + B5 is excellent for aging skin because it supports the skin barrier and provides building blocks for protein synthesis.
What it does:
- Supports skin repair and regeneration
- Improves skin barrier function
- Enhances hydration and plumpness
- Helps other anti-aging ingredients work better
Best for: Dehydrated, sagging skin that needs foundational support.
How to use: Use morning and evening as a hydrating base layer under other serums.
The Essential Add-Ons
While the serums above target aging directly, two more products are crucial for a complete anti-aging routine:
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This isn’t strictly an « anti-aging » serum, but it’s essential. Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1000 times its weight in water, plumping skin and minimizing the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration.
Use it: Morning and evening on damp skin before other serums and moisturizers.
Retinol Products (Various Strengths)
Retinol is the gold standard in anti-aging, and The Ordinary offers several options. While technically not serums, their retinol treatments deserve mention:
- Retinol 0.2% in Squalane: For beginners
- Retinol 0.5% in Squalane: For intermediate users
- Retinol 1% in Squalane: For experienced users
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion: Gentler alternative with less irritation
Use retinol: Only at night, 2-3 times per week initially, building up to nightly use as tolerated.
How to Combine These Serums
You don’t need to use all of these at once! Here are effective combinations:
Beginner Anti-Aging Routine:
- AM: Hyaluronic Acid → « Buffet » → Moisturizer → SPF
- PM: Hyaluronic Acid → Retinol (alternate nights) → Moisturizer
Intermediate Routine:
- AM: Hyaluronic Acid → Matrixyl 10% → Moisturizer → SPF
- PM: Hyaluronic Acid → « Buffet » + Copper Peptides (or Retinol on alternate nights) → Moisturizer
Advanced Routine:
- AM: Hyaluronic Acid → Argireline → « Buffet » → Moisturizer → SPF
- PM: Hyaluronic Acid → Matrixyl 10% → Retinol → Moisturizer
Important Tips for Success
Layer Correctly: Apply serums from thinnest to thickest consistency. Water-based serums go first, followed by oil-based treatments.
Wait Between Layers: Give each serum 1-2 minutes to absorb before applying the next. This ensures maximum efficacy.
Introduce Slowly: Add one new serum at a time, waiting 1-2 weeks before introducing another. This helps you identify what works and what doesn’t.
Be Consistent: Anti-aging results take time—expect to wait 8-12 weeks to see significant improvements.
Don’t Skip SPF: All the anti-aging serums in the world won’t help if you’re not protecting your skin from UV damage daily.
Store Properly: Keep peptide serums in a cool, dry place. Some users refrigerate them for extra stability.
The Bottom Line: Which One Should You Choose?
If you can only choose ONE anti-aging serum from The Ordinary, make it « Buffet. » It’s the most comprehensive option for targeting multiple signs of aging.
If you have a specific concern:
- Deep wrinkles: Matrixyl 10% + HA
- Expression lines: Argireline Solution 10%
- Maximum anti-aging power: « Buffet » + Copper Peptides 1%
- Overall skin health: Amino Acids + B5
For best results, pair your chosen serum with retinol at night and hyaluronic acid for hydration. This trio—peptides, retinol, and hydration—is the powerhouse combination for fighting visible signs of aging.
Remember: The best serum is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Start with one, master it, and build from there. Your future skin will thank you.
