South_agency / Getty Images

How to Make Leather Balm

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Max Winters | Last updated Oct 8, 2024 7:00 AM ET

Quality leather products are an expense and you want them to last. There are a lot of ways to do that with store-bought options, but these petroleum products aren't necessarily the best for your investment pieces. Luckily, the best leather treatment can actually be made at home with a simple recipe for a natural DIY option.

Understanding the Importance of Leather Care

Leather is a durable yet sensitive material. Over time, it can dry out, crack, or lose its sheen if not cared for properly. Regular care involves conditioning with a leather balm. This moisturizer protects the fabric while helping the leather retain its flexibility which prevents cracking. Neglecting leather care can start with a low luster product but lead to irreversible damage.

Benefits of Using Natural Products

Leather is a natural product and it responds best to other natural ingredients. Beeswax, cocoa butter, white vinegar, and a range of natural oils have properties that will bring out the natural shine of any piece of leather. Moreover, natural products are environmentally friendly and a straightforward ingredient list can make you more confident with what you're exposing yourself to.

What is Leather Balm?

Leather balm is a protective wax that holds in moisturize to rejuvenate leather. It also creates a barrier that shields the leather from water, dirt, and other environmental factors while enhancing its natural luster and keeping the leather soft.

Types of Leather Surfaces

Leather balm can be used on a variety of leather goods, including:

Leather jackets
Boots and leather shoes
Leather bags or purses
Furniture (leather sofas and chairs)
Car interiors
Avoid using leather balm on suede or nubuck, as these surfaces require specific care products.

How to Make Your Own Leather Balm

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of beeswax
2 tablespoons of cocoa butter (or shea butter for a softer balm)
4 tablespoons of virgin olive oil (or grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil or linseed oil)
10 drops of essential oil (optional for fragrance, such as lavender or cedarwood)

Step 1: Melt the Beeswax

In a double boiler or heat-safe container, melt the beeswax over low heat until it’s fully liquified. Stir to help it melt evenly. Beeswax provides the balm with its thick, protective qualities.

Step 2: Add Coconut Oil

Once the beeswax is melted, add the coconut oil. This ingredient deeply conditions the leather, keeping it soft and moisturized. Stir the mixture to ensure the oils combine evenly.

Step 3: Add Olive Oil (or your liquid oil of choice)

Now, stir in the olive oil. A liquid oil is lightweight and adds extra moisture without leaving the leather feeling greasy. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: Add Essential Oil (Optional)

For a pleasant scent, add 5-10 drops of your preferred essential oil. Stir the mixture gently. Essential oils like cedarwood also have natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, offering added protection for your leather.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Pour the mixture into a small, sealable container (like a tin or jar) and allow it to cool and solidify completely before use. The balm should have a soft, spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Apply to Leather

Using a clean cloth, rub a small amount of the balm into your leather item in circular motions for 4-5 minutes. (If the leather is dirty, wipe it down with soapy water and dry thoroughly first). Let the balm absorb for 10–15 minutes, then buff off any excess with a dry cloth.

Why Choose DIY Over Store-Bought?

Advantages of Homemade Solutions

Control Over Ingredients: When you make your own leather balm, you can ensure all ingredients are natural and free from harmful chemicals. Many commercial balms have stabilizers and additional ingredients that may compromise leather in the long run.
Cost-Effective: DIY leather balm is often much more affordable than high-quality store-bought options. You can make larger batches with simple ingredients at a fraction of the cost.

Customization Options

Adjustable Formulas: You may want your leather boots to be more protected than a leather chair. Protecting various types of leather from stains is as easy as tweaking the homemade recipe to suit the situation. For more rigid leather, add more beeswax, for a supple product, add more liquid oil.
Personalized Scents: Essential oils not only enhance the leather’s scent but can also provide additional benefits like antifungal properties. Your homemade leather conditioner recipe can be a signature scent all on its own.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: