Leather Honey Leather Conditioner Review: Slow, Thick and Thorough
Our Verdict
Leather Honey is a thick, odorless conditioner with a formula dating to 1968 that soaks deep into dry leather and adds water repellency. One thin coat covers a lot. It needs at least two hours to absorb and ideally a full day, may darken some colors, and is wrong for vinyl or suede. For neglected or older leather it is worth the wait.
Most automotive leather conditioners are thin lotions that wipe on and dry in minutes. Leather Honey Leather Conditioner comes from a different tradition. The formula dates to 1968 and was made for all kinds of leather goods, from saddles and boots to furniture, with car interiors as one use among many. It is a thick, viscous liquid meant to soak in deeply over hours, not minutes.
What you get
An 8-ounce bottle of concentrated conditioner. The company describes the formula as non-toxic, non-solvent, odorless, not sticky and water repellent, and it is made in the USA. Because it is applied in a thin coat, a small bottle covers a lot of leather. It is strictly a conditioner, so the leather needs to be cleaned first; Leather Honey sells a separate cleaner for that.
How it's used
The brand's directions: use the product at room temperature or warmer, apply it to a lint-free cloth, and spot test a hidden area first. Then coat the leather in a thin, even layer and let it absorb for at least two hours, preferably 24. If any conditioner is still sitting on the surface afterward, buff it off with a clean cloth. Very dry leather can take a second coat.
Where it falls short
The wait is the big one. A car that is driven daily cannot always sit for two hours, let alone overnight, and seats that are not fully absorbed can transfer residue to clothing. Leather Honey also warns that some colors may darken as the leather hydrates, though it says the darkening typically fades. It is not for suede, faux leather or vinyl, which rules out a lot of modern seat bolsters and door panels. And modern coated automotive leather absorbs less than old saddle leather, so going thin matters. A lighter lotion like Lexol All Leather Conditioner is the faster option.
Who it's for
Owners of older or dried-out leather, classic cars, and anyone who also has boots, bags or furniture to treat. For daily drivers, compare the quicker products in our leather care guide. Check price on Amazon
Pros
- Deep conditioning for dry, aging leather
- Non-toxic, odorless, water-repellent formula
- A thin coat goes a long way
- Works on seats, boots, bags and furniture
Cons
- Needs two hours to overnight to absorb
- Can darken some leather colors
- Not for suede, vinyl or faux leather