What in the hell happened to Lexol?

Apparently, from discussions elsewhere, they moved production to China

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xjs-x27-32/so-lexol-made-china-now-221109/

https://www.reddit.com/r/AutoDetailing/comments/buulfh/psa_for_those_of_you_who_use_and_love_the_smell/

From reddit post:
PSA: For those of you who use and love the smell of Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner - they have changed their country of production and possibly the formula.
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I've always loved the smell and finish of Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner. Last week, I purchased a brand new set and to my surprise, it smelled horrible, the texture of the spray seemed thicker, and it left the leather on my seats a bit sticky. I even tried shaking the bottle vigorously before applying and I still ended up with the same results. I checked the back of the bottle and compared it to my old one and noticed the new one had "Made in China" written on it while the old one had, "Made in the USA".



I am deeply saddened by their decision to move production overseas; it's not the same product it used to be. This new one smells like @&#* and I can no longer recommend it to friends. Please save yourselves and take a look to see where it is made before purchasing. Now to look for a new leather cleaner/conditioner.

 

I used to use Lexol years ago, but I've found other products. And I certainly won't be using it now that I've read this!

 

What a stupid move by their management! FWIW, most of us regarded Lexol as a premium product costing a little more. Now management has decided they can save a few cents per bottle by outsourcing to China and going toe to toe with NU VINYL.

 

I’m sorry to see this. I’ve been a satisfied Lexol customer for many years.

Thanks for the warning.

 

Once again, "management" proves that stupidity rules, and the only thing they know how to manage is trying to save a little bit of $ and deliver an inferior product. Personally I always try to avoid buying anything made in China, but these days that is next to impossible.

 

Other than the smell does the product still.work well ?

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Is it only the conditioner or also other products? The Lexol Vinylex Protectant works fine for me for sticky buttons (Yes, I know - not the high-end professional solution - but I'm happy with the results). Would be good to know whether that has also changed.

 

Also of concern to me is the 10+ year history of China "tainting" products by lacing harmful industrial substances into into products destined for the USA instead of proper disposal. Remember the intentional Chinese drywall fiasco and the poisoned pet food?

 

I agree about the New Lexol-.
I've had good results with Gliptone Leather conditioner and cleaner

 

I've been using Lexol for about 15 years now and I have always thought it smelled bad but I have continued to use it because I love the results. I can't imagine how bad the new stuff must smell...

IIRC, Zymol smelled good but I preferred the results of the Lexol leather conditioner.

 

Sounds like Lexol put a shiny new MBA in charge of something!!!!

 

Such as?

 

Connelly Hide care is outstanding and smells like leather should smell....ARA

 

Latest reviews point to that isn't the same at it used to be either. I have no first hand knowledge just what I've stumbled on in my quest for something good to use.

 

Yeah. There was a branch of my family raised strictly for their hides...

 

At first I switched to Zaino's leather cleaner and treatment. Then I went to Leatherique, and the last product I used was CarPro CQuartz leather coating. I may have tried another product in there as well but I can't recall the name. I always meant to try Connolly but just never got to it.

 

I read that too, but since then i think they've corrected it. I ordered some about 2 years ago and it is excellent - just like the original stuff. The smell is intoxicating...

 

Probably a brother-in-law.

 

I never used the Lexol conditioner, preferring stuff that smells better. But the leather cleaner is great and I’ve always been happy with the results on my cars.

I ran out of the Lexol leather cleaner so I went to buy some today to do our couch (the dog likes to sleep on the couch, so it gets dirty), and the store was out. They did have Griots Garage 3 in 1 (clean, condition, protect), so I got that. It works OK, but I suspect the Lexol cleaner would do better. Nonetheless, the Griots worked pretty well for an all in one product, and smells like leather which is good. Also saved me a step, since I didn’t have to condition afterwards.

Pro tip: I used a DeWALT cordless orbital sander with microfiber pad to apply the stuff onto the couch. Works great, and finished the couch in no time. Good results and fast, you can’t beat that. My wife noticed a big difference, so I get some serious brownie points.

 

Lexol used to be an excellent product. Not anymore.

Here's what I've replaced it with, to get the results I was used to receiving

Lexol Leather Conditioner............... switched to: Chemical Guys Leather Quick Detailer (great leather scent!!!!)
Lexol Vinylex..................................switched to: 303 Protectant (used to go under the name Aerospace 303)

303 is superior in every way, no sticky buttons, no mess, UV protection. Why didn't I discover this earlier in life.

 

Great tip, I never even thought about that, I may have to try it. And hey, if your wife is happy ....... your life is happy!

I haven't tried Chemical Guys, but it is on my list. I used 303 Aerospace, but I've found Shin Etsu easier to use, but more importantly to be more long lasting.

 

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Leatherique. I use it annually on my cars. I think of it as an "oil change" or my seats.
Keeps the bolsters supple!

 

Somebody did mention leatherique. You must have missed it.