Frequently using some softener (5)
I believe the answer is:
often
'frequently' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'some softener' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some parts of the word are used).
'OFTEN' can be found hidden inside 'softener'.
'using' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for often that I've seen before include "Frequent" , "Perhaps daily" , "Much of the time" , "Quite frequently" , "Repeatedly, many times" .)