noun
softener; softening agent
General term for a substance that softens materials, such as fabric softener, water softener, or plasticizer.
洗濯のときに軟化剤を入れると、タオルがふわふわになる。
If you add softener when doing laundry, towels become fluffy.
この軟化剤は硬水を軟らかくする効果がある。
This softening agent has the effect of softening hard water.