Gatineau Exfoliating PHA + BHA Glow Tonique Versus Q + A Niacinamide Daily Toner
Updated on September 15, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
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
Gatineau Exfoliating PHA + BHA Glow Tonique 23 ingredients
Q + A Niacinamide Daily Toner 13 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Gatineau Exfoliating PHA + BHA Glow Tonique 23 ingredients
Q + A Niacinamide Daily Toner 13 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Gatineau Exfoliating PHA + BHA Glow Tonique 23 ingredients
Q + A Niacinamide Daily Toner 13 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
