Anionic softeners are produced by the condensation of fatty acids. They have good characteristics as lubricating softening agents and give the fabric a full hand.  They are unstable in hard water and acid environment. Anionic finishing agents have a negatively charged hydrophilic group. The cellulose acquires a negative charge when wetted out and attracts the positively charged hydrophobic group, with the hydrophilic group orienting away from the fiber surface.

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Anionic softeners are heat stable at normal textile processing temperature and compatible with other components of dye and bleach baths. They can easily be washed off and provide strong antistatic effects and good rewetting properties because their anionic groups are oriented outward and are surrounded by a thick hydration layer. They are often used for special applications, such as medical textiles, or in combination with anionic fluorescent brightening agents.