salving vs softening

salving is not a noun while softening is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
salving	No	Yes	No	No
softening	Yes	Yes	No	No

As adjectives, salving and softening are synonyms defined as:

salving and softening: having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin

Other synonyms of salving include demulcent, emollient.

salving (noun)	softening (noun)
	the process of becoming softer

salving (adjective)	softening (adjective)
having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin	having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin