Best Leather Conditioner (Review & Buying Guide) in 2022 – The Drive

We chose a range of leather cleaning and conditioning products for this review, from dedicated cleaners and conditioners, to new products that do it all on leather, vinyl, and rubber. We already had a few favorites in our collection, but also purchased a couple of new all-in-one products, and received some samples directly from the biggest names in the business. 

We tested the lot on the leather interior of the author’s personal 1987 Mitsubishi Starion. And since it was time for an interior spring cleaning, all the seats came out of the car and went up on sawhorses and service carts—the last time this car had no seats was when it was first on the assembly line in Nagoya, Japan! 

The upholstery is a blend of pigmented leather and matching vinyl. Burgundy was big in the eighties, and Mitsubishi put plenty of it into its flagship sports coupe. We’ve always used a separate cleaner and conditioner on these seats, but decided to try out the new all-in-one products to see how they performed. 

Which one did we think is best? Let’s find out.

When it comes to a leather conditioner that really works and delivers the results it promises, we like Mothers VLR. This conditioner is versatile, and you can put it to use on leather inside your car and out, and it’ll even work on vinyl and rubber too. Plus, it packs a punch inside its bottle, working as a moisturizing conditioner and an efficient cleaner. It’s one you’ve got to add to your detailing arsenal.

Leather conditioner sure might seem simple at first glance, but you can’t just wipe any old conditioning product on your precious leather seats and get flawless results. You’ve got to choose the right kind of conditioner—one with quality features and benefits suited for your leather’s needs. 

Oil-based leather conditioners are typically made with neatsfoot oil or lanolin—or, in the case of products like those on our list above—both. These types of leather conditioners penetrate your car’s leather seats and surfaces deeply, with the oils soaking in and moisturizing from the inside out. 

Oils are particularly beneficial for leather that’s seen some serious wear. If your leather seats are pretty beat up and experiencing issues like drying, cracking, and stiffness, an oil-based conditioner can help soften up the fabric and return some of its flexibility and suppleness. However, keep in mind that some oils can also darken leather and leave behind a bit of a greasy-feeling finish.

Cream leather conditioners (or creme conditioners) are thick and, well…creamy. It’s almost like applying lotion to your leather. Cream conditioners are rubbed into the surface of leather, and they moisturize and soften it. These types of leather conditioners are great for keeping your leather pliable and supple, and they tend to absorb quite well.

The biggest potential downside to a cream leather conditioner? This kind of moisturizer doesn’t always last a long time, so you may find yourself reapplying frequently. Additionally, if you apply a bit too much, you may experience residue.

Wax leather conditioners are formulated with natural waxes. These types of conditioners aren’t as common as oils and creams, but they can be great for creating a protective barrier, especially if you’re worried about spills and liquid stains. Wax-based conditioners are somewhat challenging to use on your car seats, as wax can’t really seep into the nooks and crannies or seams, but they are greatly protective.

Automakers have myriad names for their different types of leather, but automotive leather falls into two general categories when it comes to cleaning and conditioning: finished or porous. The majority of modern car leather is finished, with color and protective coatings for durability and easy cleaning. Porous leathers, like true aniline or suede, are easily damaged by liquids or oils and require special care. That’s why it’s so important to consider leather type when you’re picking out a leather conditioner. Here’s an overview of the different types:

There are also various combinations of pigments, dyes, and protective coatings on car leather, and this type of leather is collectively referred to as finished. Premium semi-aniline or top grain leather is the least processed of the bunch, with only a thin coating on top of the natural texture.

Aniline leather is the most natural and expensive automotive leather upholstery. The name refers to the soluble aniline dyes that give the leather a natural look and warm, supple feel. Authentic uncoated aniline leather is porous and requires special care, cleaning, and conditioning. A tiny drop of water in an inconspicuous area can help identify porous aniline leather. If it soaks in, you have an answer. 

Automaker marketing departments have created plenty of leather-like names for these synthetic imposters through the years, but this type of material isn’t leather at all. Today’s faux leather is better than yesterday’s leatherette and is increasingly used with finished leather on automotive upholstery. 

If a leather conditioner is a challenge to apply, it isn’t going to be one you want to work with, no matter how great the results might be. So, make sure you consider a conditioner’s application method before buying. You have plenty of options to choose from. Oil- and cream-based conditioners can be wiped onto the leather with soft microfiber cloths. Many oil-based formulas even come in handy spray bottles for more control.

You’ll also find wipe-on conditioners, which work pretty much like your basic household disposable cleaning wipes, just loaded with conditioner instead of harsh cleaners. Wipes allow you to quickly and easily apply conditioner, and they can be convenient if not the most professional option.

Versatility is another key feature of any leather conditioner. The more versatile a conditioner is, the more benefits it can potentially offer. Some leather conditioners are only designed for one job: conditioning. However, others can do more. You’ll find combination cleaner and conditioner products (or product sets), along with all-in-one products that’ll do your cleaning, conditioning, and protecting all at once. 

The key is to decide whether you want a multi-step conditioning process or an all-in-one. If you’re looking to save time, effort, and money, an all-in-one product with total versatility can be a good fit. But if you don’t mind taking your time and completing your leather cleaning, conditioning, and protection separately, individual products are better.

Using a leather conditioner regularly will breathe new life into your car’s leather interior, no matter how long your car’s been on the road. A good conditioner can remove the dirt and grime sitting on leather surfaces, preventing potential damage. And it’ll give your leather the much-needed moisture it requires to stay soft, supple and looking sleek. Plus, conditioner can take dried-out, cracked, and dirty leather from unsightly to wonderfully plush.

Thinking about selling your car? You’re going to have to lower the price and take a financial hit if your leather seats and interior surfaces are looking worse for the wear. Using a leather conditioner regularly will help maintain your vehicle’s leather and keep it looking as good as new. Additionally, a good conditioner can help you restore some of the dryness, stiffness, and other visible changes leather undergoes as it ages and is exposed to sunlight, dirt, and other elements. If you keep your leather seats looking good, you’ll get more value when you sell your car.

No one wants to sit on cracked, peeling, or dry leather seats. That’s where leather conditioner can help. One of these leather moisturizers can keep your car’s seats feeling soft to the touch, enhancing your comfort whether you’re driving for short or long distances. The more supple your leather is with the help of a good conditioner, the better your seats will feel underneath you and when in contact with your skin.

Equipping yourself with a quality leather conditioner doesn’t have to break the bank. On average, leather conditioners are pretty affordable. You can find conditioners priced under $10.  In fact, most single bottles, along with quick-use wipes, fall within this price range.

If you’re looking to buy conditioners in larger quantities or packages, you can expect to pay between $10 and $20. Additionally, if you want to invest in a complete leather care kit that includes multiple products (like cleaners and conditioners) plus accessories (like applicators, cloths, or brushes), you’ll be looking at prices of $20 or more.

As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and leather conditioners. To help you bridge the information gap, here are a few tips and tricks we’ve picked up along the way.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!

An extensive cleaning and conditioning can salvage dried-out or dirty leather, but it won’t fix tears, delamination, pigment loss, large cracks, heavy abrasion, or punctures. Look into a leather repair and pigment kit for minor pigment loss, abrasion, or peeling. Consult a professional upholsterer for more severe damage.

Your car seats are not the same as your sofa. Automotive leather upholstery and conditioners have to stand up to searing heat, sub-zero cold, relentless direct sunlight, flying fast food, and miles of road grime. They won’t work the same and you could damage your car’s interior if you use the wrong product. 

Yes, automotive leather conditioners will not harm vinyl, and most all-in-one conditioners are formulated for use on leather and vinyl. The ever-increasing demand for leather upholstery means automakers use vinyl and leather together on the same seat. Avoid overspray.

That said, leather conditioners can cause spotting on hard plastic and painted surfaces. 

Most single bottles of cleaner or conditioner, quick wipes, and the majority of all-in-one products can be yours for under $10. Larger quantities of all-in-one and separate cleaners and conditioners can cost more, along with premium products, but they’re still a great deal compared to new leather upholstery.