There are countless myths and misconceptions about leather care products. Much of this is related to the use of oil to condition and nourish leather goods. Browse the internet, and you will find a wealth of (often contradictory) information on the subject; some leather lovers swear by natural oils rather than organic oils, and others love products from their kitchen cupboards: coconut oil, olive oil, or even peanut oil. To shed light on this delicate subject, we set out to find the best leather oils. After some research and personal testing of a range of oils on our products - including coconut oil, neatsfoot oil, mineral oil, mink oil, and olive oil - we have the answer. But before we share our findings, let's see why leather care is so important. Animal skin is made up of interconnected microscopic fibers that are replenished with natural lubricants while the animal is alive. However, during the leather tanning process (raw animal hides become leather), the water that nourishes the hide is replaced by tanning agents. This chemical reaction gives the leather new physical properties but also makes the fibers susceptible to drying out over time. When leather experiences constant moisture loss, it becomes cracked, stiff and brittle: a sign that it needs oiling. In addition to this, other normal "wear and tear" conditions - such as stains and scratches - can also accelerate the aging process. Enter leather oil. The oil replenishes the leather by penetrating and moisturizing the fibers, making it smoother and softer. 
It also refreshes the look, removes blemishes and scuffs, and infuses the color into aged leather. Finally, some oils help strengthen the elements, providing some degree of water and stain resistance. Leather is naturally a durable material with a long lifespan. Applying the ideal oil to your leather goods, whether it's a briefcase, purse, or piece of furniture, will only increase their longevity. Learning how to apply oil is an essential part of handling leather. Too much oil can make your items too dark and greasy. And untrained rubbing techniques are a prerequisite for uneven and mottled coatings. Leather Oil Conditioning Process Steps:
- Clean the leather with a slightly damp cloth.
- Let the leather dry for 24 hours.
- Remove excess residue if desired.
- Patch test a small area of the leather.
- Use a small amount of oil on a microfiber cloth to condition the leather.
- Let the leather rest for 1 hour.
- If necessary, remove excess oil from the leather.
- Apply finishing products like natural wax or leather protectant spray.
Premium leather - like the vegetable-tanned cowhide we use - is porous, which means it absorbs dirt and other impurities over time. So start by cleaning the leather, which unclogs the pores and allows leather oil to penetrate the fibers more easily. We recommend first gently wiping the entire surface of the product with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. When finished, add a small amount of leather cleaner to the fabric and repeat the process. Rub in slow circular motions and apply evenly, not forgetting the edges. If the coating is used incorrectly, the consequences will be evident later in the process, so be very careful. 
When you're done, allow the leather to dry for at least 24 hours, then wipe off any remaining residue. Less is more when applying leather oil, so proceed with caution. You can always add another layer if you want a darker look. Take a clean microfiber cloth and apply a small amount of leather oil. Find a small piece of leather - preferably in a hidden place - and rub the oil into it, always in a circular motion. This test helps you determine how the color of the leather will be affected. Wait about 30 minutes before checking the results; if you are satisfied, apply the oil evenly to the rest of the surface. Then let the leather air dry overnight. If there is residue, wipe it off. Your leather goods should look new, darker, and noticeably smoother during this process. For those with gloss treatments, we recommend using natural waxes. Remember to use a small amount when applying and use a circular kneading technique. For extra protection, leather spray is the best option. These sprays protect the interior fibers by preventing water and dirt from penetrating the surface of the leather. From a suitable distance (at least 30 cm), spray a thin layer of spray on your leather goods. Allow to dry out for one hour before use. It should be remembered that leather care is an ongoing process, so we recommend repeating these steps several times a year. 
Leather oil
Now that you understand the reason behind why leather should be treated and how to do that. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of a range of leather oils. Touted as a "superfood" as a solution to everything from heartburn to insomnia and skin conditions, coconut oil is now widely acclaimed and readily available. But is coconut oil good for leather? First, it's worth mentioning that many online leather bloggers and forums recommend coconut oil as a viable (and readily available) substitute to other leather oils. And due to its saturated fat content, coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so it must be heated before use. Treating leather with coconut oil has some benefits, such as softening the leather and providing a thin layer of waterproof protection, but the drawbacks far outweigh the benefits. Known for giving leather a speckled and uneven appearance, coconut oil often leaves a sticky residue when it dries: we encountered both issues in our testing. Because coconut oil is a natural oil (such as hoof oil, olive oil, and mink oil), it darkens leather when applied. However, we found that it drastically darkened the Palissy briefcase and Swanfield wallet we tested, affecting the natural color of the cognac leather. Mineral oils are a by-product of the petroleum refining industry and are a clear, colorless petroleum-based liquid. It is often used in cosmetics and personal care products as it softens and moisturizes the skin. 
In our testing, we applied baby oil (a scented mineral oil) to the leather wallet, and, as expected, the shine developed quickly. The leather also becomes softer. While these properties are welcome, the long-term effects of mineral oil are extremely detrimental. Unlike natural oils, mineral oil is occlusive and forms a protective layer on surfaces that come in contact, preventing moisture from escaping. Dry rot occurs when water is trapped in the leather, causing the fibers to deteriorate faster. So while mineral oil may seem like a convenient and inexpensive leather care solution, the reality is more nuanced. Fading and reduced durability are two common effects of frequent use. First of all, what is mink oil? Well, it's an oily balm derived from the oily skin of mink, semi-aquatic mammals that have long been hunted and bred for their fur. Native Americans in North America first discovered that this oil worked well as a skin conditioner. Despite animal welfare concerns, it has been officially embraced by leather workers around the world who use it to treat and soften their hides. Mink oil easily penetrates leather and replenishes the interior fibers, which means it works particularly well with our full-grain cowhide leather, which is very porous. But aside from suede, it's also a great choice for other types of leather. 
Of all the leather oils we tested, mink oil worked the best, removing surface scratches and slightly darkening the leather for an even finish. Additionally, mink oil is a natural leather softener that provides temporary water repellency and improves flexibility by lubricating cracked fibers. We recommend it as the best leather oil based on our testing and wider research.