Soft Tone vs Flesh Wash

How close are they?

ΔE 31.7, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Flesh Wash is noticeably lighter, much more muted than Soft Tone.

Can I use Flesh Wash instead of Soft Tone?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 32). Flesh Wash is noticeably lighter, much more muted than Soft Tone.

Can I use Soft Tone instead of Flesh Wash?

The same difference applies the other way round: Soft Tone is noticeably darker, much more saturated.

ΔE is the colour difference between our two swatch estimates: under about 6 is close, over about 15 is loose. Real paints also differ in finish, coverage and how they thin, so test before you commit.