# The Ordinary Buffet Serum for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Saudi Arabia.

Brand: [The Ordinary](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/the-ordinary)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- This formulation offers moderate benefits for your oily skin, with ingredients like Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer providing essential hydration without heavy occlusives. Multiple peptides, such as Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, are present to target fine lines and wrinkles, contributing to anti-aging effects.
- While it supports general skin health and hydration for oily skin, it does not directly address concerns like oily shine.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin): Average (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/dry-skin): Superior
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/mature-skin): Superior
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Peptides, Sodium Hyaluronate, Amino Acids, Lactococcus Lysate Ferment, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

## What the research says

- Argireline treatment twice daily for 4 weeks produced a significant anti-wrinkle effect with 48.9% total efficacy and decreased skin roughness in Chinese subjects compared with 0% efficacy and no decrease in roughness in the placebo group. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/))
- Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and tripeptide-10 citrulline demonstrated antiwrinkle efficacy and decreased transepidermal water loss in twenty-four healthy volunteers compared to control groups, though synergistic effects between the two peptides remained unclear. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28150423/))
- Argireline applied twice daily for 4 weeks achieved a total anti-wrinkle efficiency of 48.9% and notably reduced wrinkle depth compared to placebo in Chinese subjects. ([Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23607739/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- Treatment with cross-linked hyaluronic acid-based microneedle patches combined with acetyl hexapeptide-8 or epidermal growth factor significantly improved wrinkles and skin hydration compared to the patch alone in Korean females over 29 days. ([Annals of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33911590/))
- Daily topical acetyl hexapeptide-8 showed a trend toward a longer time until return to baseline Jankovic Blepharospasm Rating Scale scores compared to placebo (3.7 months vs. 3.0 months) in 24 patients with blepharospasm receiving botulinum toxin therapy. ([European Journal of Neurology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23146065/))
- Dissolving microneedles loaded with 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-8 achieved higher cumulative transdermal delivery than aqueous solutions and significantly reduced photoaging signs while restoring oxidative balance in a UV/D-galactose-induced mouse model. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41628877/))

## Why other serums fit oily skin better

- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))
- Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342760/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this serum is widely praised as an affordable, effective all-in-one treatment that significantly hydrates and plumps the skin, leading to a softer texture and reduced appearance of fine lines for many users. A moderate number of users report a sticky finish, and a low to moderate number experienced breakouts or irritation, particularly those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

- Liked: Hydrates and plumps (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Great value (often mentioned)
- Liked: Smoothes texture (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Sticky finish (often mentioned)
- Liked: Reduces lines (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Slow results (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Pilling issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
- Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does The Ordinary Buffet work for oily skin?

This treatment is an average fit for your oily skin because it delivers hydration without heavy ingredients and helps smooth fine lines with peptides, though it does not manage oily shine. A product of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and soothing extracts to control excess oil and keep pores clear.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28150423/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?

Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer make this serum a good fit for oily skin by providing essential hydration without heavy occlusives, while multiple peptides target fine lines. To fit oily skin even better, a product of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide and zinc to control shine and manage excess oil.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What do Peptides do for oily skin?

Peptides help support skin health and may improve the look of oily skin, but this type of skin needs formulas with ingredients that balance oil production and keep pores clear.
Sources: [Advanced Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39783908/), [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40565185/)

### What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps oily skin by reducing extra oil and sebum production without causing irritation. Clinical studies show it successfully balances oil levels while keeping the skin comfortable.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28163068/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. A product of this type for oily skin needs lightweight hydrators like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate along with oil-controlling ingredients.

### Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first to give your skin light hydration, followed by your retinol. This product is unlikely to irritate oily skin, but because it is an average fit, an oily skin type needs lightweight hydrating ingredients like glycerin and helpful anti-aging peptides without heavy oils.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28150423/)

### How often should I use this serum?

You can use this treatment in your evening routine for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. It provides lightweight hydration and anti-aging benefits without heavy pore-clogging ingredients, though oily skin of this type needs added oil-control ingredients to properly target shine.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28150423/)

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This serum may occasionally cause breakouts for oily skin, as reviewers moderately report this issue despite its safe, gentle formula. To better fit oily skin, a product of this type needs ingredients that balance oil production and prevent clogged pores.

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clinique/fresh-pressed-daily-booster-with-pure-vitamin-c-10/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 653.00 at Amazon
- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 226.83 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/oily-skin) — High fit — SAR 865.37 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 36.33 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 53.04 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 39.70 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Saudi Arabia has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Lactococcus Lysate Ferment, 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, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/buffet-serum/for/oily-skin