New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What is the liquid part of a solution known as?

1. Solvent

2. Solute

3. Emulsion

4. Mixture

The correct answer is: Solvent

The liquid part of a solution is known as the solvent. In solution chemistry, the solvent is the substance that dissolves the solute, which is the substance being dissolved. The solvent typically makes up the majority of the solution and can vary from water (often referred to as the universal solvent) to various organic solvents like alcohols and ether. Understanding the role of the solvent is crucial in cosmetic chemistry, especially in esthetics, as many products rely on the solvent properties to mix active ingredients effectively, ensuring stability and efficacy in creams, serums, and other formulations. While other terms like solute, emulsion, and mixture are related concepts, they do not specifically refer to the liquid component of a solution. The solute is often a solid or gas that dissolves in the solvent, an emulsion refers to a mixture of two immiscible liquids, and a mixture can be any combination of substances. Thus, recognizing the solvent's role is fundamental in both theoretical and practical applications in skincare formulations and treatments.