Difference between Antiperspirant and Antitranspirant (with Table)

Antiperspirants and antitranspirants are substances that are used by us humans every now and then. The two words are somehow related hence commonly misused by people.

Perspiration mostly occurs in humans and other animals and transpiration occur majorly in plants. The two substances are used on different surfaces.

Antiperspirants are substances applied to the skin to reduce perspiration, especially under the armpits. Antitranspirants are applied on the surface of leaves to reduce transpiration. Both substances are used on the surface.

So, what is the main difference between antiperspirants and antitranspirants? Antiperspirants are substances applied on the skin to reduce perspiration or sweating while antitranspirants are substances that are applied on the surface of leaves to reduce transpiration hence little water loss by the plants.

This article contains differences between antiperspirants and antitranspirants in tabular form. You will also get to learn of the similarities.

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Comparison Table (Antiperspirant vs. Atitranspirant)

Basic terms	Antiperspirants	Antitranspirants
Definition	They are substances that are applied to the skin to reduce perspiration.	They are substances that are applied to the surface of leaves to reduce transpiration.
Purpose	They reduce perspiration or sweating.	They reduce transpiration in plants.
Where used	They are used on the skin of humans.	They are used on the surface of the leaves.
Field	It is in the field of cosmetics and dermatology.	It is in the field of horticulture.

What is Antiperspirant?

Antiperspirant is a substance that is applied on human skin especially under the arms to reduce perspiration or sweating.

They are a solution to excessive sweating and body odor. The substance block the pores that allow sweat to come on the surface hence little sweating.

The substances contain aluminum salts that restrict access to the upper part of the sweat glands making sweat not penetrate through the skin.

The efficiency depends on factors such as the ingredients in the antiperspirant, the strength of the ingredients, the amount of sweat your body produces, and when and where you apply it.

Apply the antiperspirant when the skin is dry especially the armpits. When the skin is moist, the antiperspirant will mix with the moisture and slide over it hence not serving the purpose.

What is Antitranspirant?

Antitranspirant is a substance that is applied on the surface of the leaves to reduce transpiration hence little water loss by the plants.

Transpiration is the process by which plants absorb water through their roots and releases it inform of water vapor through the pores found on their leaves.

They have a significant effect in horticulture, especially in ornamental plants. They are mostly used on cut flowers, Christmas trees, and newly transplanted shrubs.

It prevents the plants from drying out quickly. The antitranspirant may reduce the absorption of sunlight hence little transpiration.

They may form thin transparent films on the leaves which prevent the escape of water vapor. It may also block active excretion of hydrogen cation from the guard cells which promotes closure of stomata.

There are different types of antitranspirants depending on their function. We have stomatal closing anitranspirant, film-forming antitranspirant, and reflecting antitranspirants.

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Main Differences between Antiperspirant and Antitranspirant

Antiperspirants are substances applied on the skin to reduce perspiration while antitranspirants are substances applied on the surface of leaves to reduce transpiration.
Antiperspirants are used to reduce perspiration or sweating while antitranspirants are used to reduce transpiration.
Antiperspirants are used on the skin of human beings while antitranspirants are used on the surface of leaves.
Antiperspirants are in the field of cosmetics and dermatology while antitranspirants are in the field of horticulture.

Similarities between Antiperspirant and Antitranspirant

Both are substances applied on the surface.
Both are used to block.
The efficiency of both depends on where and when applied.

Conclusion

Antiperspirants and antitranspirants are both substances that are applied on the surface to block. Antiperspirants are applied on the human skin especially the armpits to reduce perspiration or sweating while antitranspirants are applied on the surface of leaves to reduce transpiration.

The main difference between antiperspirants and antitranspirants is that antiperspirants are used on human skin while antitranspirants are used on the surface of leaves.

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