Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for softening an absorbent tissue and tissue structures softened using the composition. The composition includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; and an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle. The electrolyte causes the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone. Preferably, the softening active ingredient is a quaternary ammonium compound with the formula: (R1)4−m—N+—[(CH2)n—Y—R3]mX− the vehicle is water, and the electrolyte is calcium chloride.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for softening an absorbent tissue and tissue structures softened using the composition. The composition includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; and an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle. The electrolyte causes the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone. Preferably, the softening active ingredient is a quaternary ammonium compound with the formula:(R.sub.1).sub.4-m --N.sup.+ --[(CH.sub.2).sub.n --Y--R.sub.3 ].sub.m X.sup. -the vehicle is water, and the electrolyte is calcium chloride.