softening vs emollient

softening and emollient both are nouns.

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

As adjectives, softening and emollient are synonyms defined as:

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

Other synonyms of softening include demulcent, salving.

softening (noun)	emollient (noun)
the process of becoming softer	toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin

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