A cosmetic solution that contains a small quantity of solute in relation to the solvent is referred to as what?

A cosmetic solution that contains a small quantity of solute relative to the solvent is termed "dilute." In a dilute solution, the concentration of the solute is low, meaning it is significantly outweighed by the solvent. This is important in esthetics, as many cosmetic formulations utilize dilute solutions to achieve desired properties without causing irritation or adverse reactions. For instance, certain active ingredients may be effective only in lower concentrations to ensure safety and optimize benefits for the skin.

Concentrated solutions, on the other hand, contain a higher quantity of solute compared to the solvent, which can lead to a more potent formulation. Saturated solutions reach a point where no more solute can dissolve in the solvent at a given temperature, which is different from having a small amount. The term unstable would refer to a solution that may change or degrade over time, which does not directly relate to the concentration of solute in the solution.