surface layer (or interfacial layer)

The region of space comprising and adjoining the phase boundary within which the properties of matter are significantly different from the values in the adjoining bulk phases.
Source:
PAC, 1972, 31, 577 (Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units, Appendix II: Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry) on page 583