Efflorescent vs. Hygroscopic
Main DifferenceThe main difference between Efflorescent, and Hygroscopic is that Efflorescent materials do not absorb water, while the Hygroscopic materials do not provide an aqueous solution, but they usually absorb water vapor.

Difference Between Efflorescent and Hygroscopic
Efflorescent vs. Hygroscopic
Efflorescent contents are generally present in surroundings as crystals; on the flip side, humectants are known as the second name for hygroscopic.
Efflorescent vs. Hygroscopic
A considerable amount of affinity for water is present by efflorescent materials; on the flip side, a very less amount of affinity is contained by hygroscopic substances.
Efflorescent vs. Hygroscopic
In efflorescent materials, a solution is not established; on the contrary, in hygroscopic materials, a solution is not formed, but they absorb water vapor.
Efflorescent vs. Hygroscopic
Water is not entirely absorbed by efflorescent elements; on the flip side, the water may be absorbed or adsorbed by hygroscopic substances.
Efflorescent vs. Hygroscopic
The efflorescent materials are regarded as solids that go through spontaneous water loss from some hydrated salts; at the same time, the hygroscopic substances are referred to as solids that absorb or adsorb water and form a clump.
Efflorescentadjective
Bursting into flower.
Hygroscopicadjective
Readily taking up and retaining water, especially from the atmosphere.
Efflorescentadjective
Growing at a rapid rate; flourishing.
Hygroscopicadjective
absorbing moisture (as from the air)
Efflorescentadjective
Forming a white dust or efflorescence on the surface.
Efflorescentadjective
bursting into flower;
flowering spring treesComparison Chart
Efflorescent | Hygroscopic |
The process in which salt is present in a porous material is firstly dissolved by absorbed water and then transferred to the porous surface where forms precipitation out of the solution is known as efflorescent. | The process in which the substance absorbs water from its surrounding environment and absorb enough to clomp together is known as hygroscopic. |
Considered As | |
They are considered as solids that undergo natural loss of water from hydrated salts. | They are considered as solids that mainly adsorb or absorb water from its surrounding environment. |
Water Vapor Absorption | |
The water is not absorbed. | The water is either adsorb or absorb. |
Other Names | |
Present as crystals. | Also known as humectants. |
Affinity for Water | |
Consists of a considerable attraction towards the water. | It includes a little affinity towards water. |
Formation of a Solution | |
A solution is not produced. | A solution is not created, but they absorb water vapor. |
Examples | |
The example in which a compound go through this is washing soda | The illustrations are copper oxide, sodium trioxonitrate, and quick lime (CaO) |
Efflorescent vs. Hygroscopic
Efflorescent substances are also considered as solids that undergo natural loss of water from hydrated salts. On the flip side, the hygroscopic is considered as solids that mainly adsorb or absorb water from its surrounding environment.
The water is not absorbed by efflorescent materials, whereas the water is either adsorb or absorb by hygroscopic substances. Efflorescent is present as crystals, while the hygroscopic materials are also known as humectants.
The efflorescent materials consist of a considerable attraction towards the water; on the other hand, the hygroscopic materials contain a little affinity towards water. Thorugh the absorption of water vapor, a solution is not provided by efflorescent materials; on the flip side, a solution is not produced by hygroscopic substances, but they absorb water vapor.
The example of efflorescence in which a compound go through this is washing soda. At the same time, the cases of hygroscopic substances are copper oxide, sodium trioxonitrate, and quick lime (CaO).
What is Efflorescent?
The solids which go through the natural water loss from specific hydrated salts (inorganic salts having water molecules mixed in a defined ratio). These salts can lose molecules of water when exposed to the outside are known as efflorescent substances, and this whole process is known as efflorescence.
The process of efflorescent happens when the liquid-vapor pressure of the hydrate becomes higher than the partial pressure of the water vapors ordinarily present in the air. The examples are, 10H2O, FeSO4, Na2CO3, Na2SO4, and 10H2O, while the most common example of efflorescence is aeration of cement. Washing soda is also the example that goes through efflorescence in which its molecules usually lose nine of its units out of its total ten crystallized water molecules when taken into the open air.
What is Hygroscopic?
The solids which absorb moisture from the surrounding environment but would not produce a solution is known as hygroscopic substance, and they consume enough to form a clamp. The process of Hygroscopy usually results in the change of physical features of the hygroscopic materials, which includes boiling, color, viscosity, point, etc.
Salts are the most common examples of hygroscopic substances. There are present some other hygroscopic compounds as well, which include silica gel, germinating seeds, honey, etc. Examples of hygroscopic materials are copper oxide, sodium trioxonitrate, zinc chloride, sodium chloride, quick lime (CaO), and sodium hydroxide.
ConclusionThe efflorescent substances do not absorb water and occurs a spontaneous loss of water. On the other hand, the hygroscopic materials absorb the water from its surrounding environment and consume enough to clomp together.