The skincare world loves a good dupe, doesn’t it? Whenever a celebrity launches a line, one of the first questions that comes up is: is this actually new—or just a rebranded version of something we already know? That’s exactly the conversation swirling around AGELESS by Ramona, a peptide-packed anti-aging serum, and whether it’s basically The Ordinary’s beloved “Buffet” serum in a fancier bottle.
I’ll admit, I was curious too. Both serums highlight peptides, hydration, and anti-aging benefits. But are they truly the same? And what about the big elephant in the room: added fragrance? Let’s break it down.
The Fragrance Debate
Before we even dive into formulas, let’s talk about the controversial topic of fragrance in skincare. Most dermatologists (and ingredient-savvy skincare lovers) agree that fragrance—even if it makes a product smell luxurious—can actually cause irritation and long-term damage to the skin. And here’s the tricky part: you may not feel or see the damage right away.
So why do brands keep adding fragrance? Because, honestly, consumers want their products to smell nice. Natural ingredients often don’t smell amazing, so fragrance helps make the experience of applying skincare feel a little more indulgent. The trade-off? Potential irritation, sensitivity, or damage over time.
That’s why The Ordinary is so popular among purists: their formulas are fragrance-free, stripped down to focus purely on performance. AGELESS by Ramona, on the other hand, has faced criticism for including fragrance in its serum. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, the sensorial experience outweighs the risk. It all comes down to what you prioritize.
AGELESS by Ramona: What’s Inside
AGELESS by Ramona markets itself as a multitasking, anti-aging serum infused with skin-loving ingredients. According to the brand, here are the star features:
- Vitamins, minerals, peptides, and antioxidants to support overall skin health
- Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate and plump skin
- Matrixyl™ 3000 to stimulate collagen production for improved elasticity
- Youth 360 BCR (a proprietary complex) to help rebuild collagen and delay visible aging
- Pollution shield to protect against environmental stressors
- Lightweight texture suitable for daily use
- Cruelty-free and made in the U.S.A.
The focus here is clearly on hydration, plumping, and collagen support—all essentials for skin that looks smooth and youthful. The addition of Youth 360 BCR is a unique selling point, though the brand doesn’t disclose exactly what makes it special beyond its marketing claims.
The Ordinary’s Buffet: The Gold Standard of Peptide Serums
Now let’s look at the product that put multi-peptide serums on the map: The Ordinary’s “Buffet.” Affordable, effective, and incredibly popular, it’s designed to address multiple signs of aging in one shot. Here’s what’s inside:
- Matrixyl 3000 + Matrixyl Synthe’6: Peptides that reduce lines, wrinkles, and skin irregularities
- Hyaluronic Acid Complexes: To deeply hydrate and help deliver actives into the skin
- Syn-Ake Peptide Complex: Inspired by snake venom peptides, this helps soften expression lines
- Relistase Peptide Complex: Targets firmness and elasticity
- Argirelox Peptide Complex: Works on dynamic wrinkles caused by facial movements
- Probiotic Complex: Supports skin barrier health
- 11 amino acids to nourish and repair
The kicker? The total concentration of active technologies here is 25.1% by weight, which is a massive amount compared to many other serums in the same category. And true to The Ordinary’s ethos, the formula is vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and free from alcohol, silicone, nuts, and gluten.
Side-by-Side: Are They Really the Same?
At first glance, AGELESS by Ramona and Buffet look similar—they both feature peptides, hyaluronic acid, and claims around anti-aging, hydration, and elasticity. But once you look closely, the differences start to show:
- Peptide Variety: The Ordinary’s Buffet packs in multiple peptide complexes (Matrixyl Synthe’6, Syn-Ake, Relistase, Argirelox), giving it a more layered approach to targeting wrinkles, firmness, and elasticity. AGELESS by Ramona highlights Matrixyl 3000 but doesn’t disclose the same breadth of peptide complexes.
- Proprietary Complexes: AGELESS introduces Youth 360 BCR, which sounds impressive but isn’t fully broken down. It’s difficult to compare its effectiveness without transparency.
- Fragrance: AGELESS includes it. Buffet doesn’t. For many, that’s the deciding factor.
- Concentration: The Ordinary is upfront about its 25.1% concentration of active technologies. AGELESS doesn’t list percentages, making it harder to evaluate potency.
- Price Point: While AGELESS leans into luxury branding, The Ordinary keeps its formulas affordable and accessible.
The Verdict
So, is AGELESS by Ramona just Buffet in a different bottle? Not exactly. While both are peptide-forward serums with hydration and anti-aging benefits, The Ordinary’s Buffet offers a wider range of proven peptide complexes, higher disclosed concentrations, and a fragrance-free formula—all at a fraction of the cost.
AGELESS, however, may appeal to those who enjoy the sensorial side of skincare. The fragrance, elegant packaging, and inclusion of its proprietary Youth 360 BCR may make the product feel more luxurious to use. For some, that ritual is just as important as the results.
Final Thoughts
If your priority is maximizing results with minimal irritation, The Ordinary’s Buffet remains a standout. It’s transparent, affordable, and packed with science-backed actives.
If you lean toward experience, luxury, and branding, AGELESS by Ramona might be worth exploring—just keep in mind that added fragrance isn’t always your skin’s best friend in the long run.
At the end of the day, the best serum is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Whether you’re team clinical simplicity (Buffet) or team luxurious indulgence (AGELESS), the real secret to youthful skin is consistency, SPF, and patience.
