NIOD CAIS 2 vs The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides. How to decide which one to get? Is one better than the other? Let me start with saying that I am a fan of the NIOD CAIS 2 (aka NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1). Last year closer to my birthday in June, I started seeing dullness on my skin. Desperate for a solution for glowy skin, after reading some rave reviews, and being a fan of Deciem products, I decided to take the plunge and splurge for NIOD CAIS 2.
To say that this product dramatically improved my skin tone at a snap of a finger, it’s not. It took some time for the result to show and also at the beginning when I tried this on, I had some issues of minor eczema. So, between “glowy skin” and rashes, I could not possibly tell so quickly if a product works perfectly or not.
After a few months of regular use though, I can see that my skin is getting way better and smoother. I am getting my glow back!
Now, when I was just about to repurchase, I saw that The Ordinary came up with the CAIS2 frugal sibling, The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%. The price point was pretty great too, 28.90€ for 30ml vs NIOD CAIS2’s 45.60€ for 15 ml & 72€ for 30ml. I decided to get the Buffet + Copper instead and see how it performs!
At the point of publishing this post, I have been using the buffet + copper for more than a month. I hope it would give me a better overview of both performances on my skin!
The Claims
The main selling ingredient on both products is copper peptides (GHK and GHK-Cu).
NIOD CAIS2 has a 2% concentration of GHK and GHK-Cu. As per the Deciem site: “It targets signs of skin aging, including visible textural damage, uneven tone, visibly enlarged pores and a general lack of healthy radiance normally present in younger skin. In short, the skin will look healthier with continued visible improvements with continued use.”
The Ordinary Buffet + Copper 1% has a 1% concentration of pure Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu). As per Deciem site: “It is increasing its focus on overall skin health. The natural role of these peptides as found in human plasma includes supporting a wide range of skin health functions like maintaining normal immune function, collagen synthesis, fibroblast production, and anti-inflammatory responses.”
Both are promising healthier skin, with the NIOD has double the amount of copper peptides.
The Ingredients
NIOD CAIS 2
The CAIS 2 has two parts, the activator and copper concentrate, combine both before usage. I highlighted the same ingredient name between NIOD CAIS2 vs The Ordinary Buffet + Copper. For more geeky resources on the ingredients, check out the breakdown at the incidecoder.
ACTIVATOR
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Tripeptide-29, Tripeptide-1, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glycogen, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Dextran, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Isoceteth-20, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
COPPER CONCENTRATE
Aqua (Water), Copper Gluconate, Isoceteth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
The Ordinary version has more ingredients than the NIOD. Which not to say it’s good or bad, as it happens to have more helpful ingredients for skin regeneration. For more geeky resources on the ingredients, check out the breakdown at the incidecoder.
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
Ease of use
NIOD CAIS2 has a more watery consistency. It is very light and would absorb on the skin in an instant. You just need 3-4 drops so the bottle actually lasts quite long. The downside, it is too easy to slip through your fingers… to the sink. Be careful when putting it on your palm.
The Ordinary Buffet + Copper has a gel consistency. While it could feel moisturizing (I found out I could just wear that sans moisturizer in warm weather), it takes longer to absorb. It also feels a bit sticky and I had to wait longer before I put on other skin care products on top, otherwise, it could pile.
I personally much prefer the NIOD CAIS2 consistency (sadly not pictured), because it’s so quick to absorb and doesn’t feel sticky on the skin.
Result
It’s difficult to test skincare as a single user. There are several factors that I did not control like the weather, the diet, or other skincare I was using. I also did not have a proper measurement of the before and after. All I can say is how good it makes my skin feels and how good it looks now.
I can’t tell. In the battle of NIOD CAIS 2 vs The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides, both delivered really well.
True, when I started with The Ordinary, my skin is already in a good condition from using the NIOD. But The Ordinary keeps it in a good condition (if not better!)
Final Say
I know some people who swore by the more expensive products, and some swears by the cheap ones that do the same thing. With these two products, I could see that there’s not much visible difference between these two products. One has 2x more copper, but then does the copper makes the skin 2x better? Maybe yes, maybe not. It also depends on your skin.
What I can say from my personal experience is that the NIOD CAIS2 felt better on the skin and it plays well with any products I have after. Maybe it will deliver the result faster.
But, does it worth the price point for you? If your answer is yes, then go for the NIOD CAIS2. If you think it’s too pricey, then go with The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptide 1%, because I believe the best skincare is also the one you’re comfortable to splash on your skin.
For now, I might just rotate from one to the other, depending on my budget. And perhaps combine it with some acids like the one Dorit mention here. How about you?
Please note that this review is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods, or money, for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
Thank you, that helps!