softening vs demulcent

softening and demulcent both are nouns.

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

As adjectives, softening and demulcent are synonyms defined as:

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

Other synonyms of softening include emollient, salving.

softening (noun)	demulcent (noun)
the process of becoming softer	a medication (in the form of an oil or salve etc.) that soothes inflamed or injured skin

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