Dr. Different Scaling Toner Versus Gatineau Exfoliating PHA + BHA Glow Tonique
Updated on April 11, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe toners. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA, hyaluronic acid and PHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Dr. Different Scaling Toner 25 ingredients
Gatineau Exfoliating PHA + BHA Glow Tonique 23 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Different Scaling Toner 25 ingredients
Gatineau Exfoliating PHA + BHA Glow Tonique 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Emulsifying
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSuccinic Acid
BufferingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Astringent
Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Dipropylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, Citric Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Succinic Acid, Gluconolactone, Sodium Chloride, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Methylpropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Methylpropanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Parfum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Limonene, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactonePolyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It helps gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants to be rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as oil and water.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 LaurateSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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