When quality leather is cared for, it can last for decades, ages beautifully and forms a patina. Real leather is animal skin and so it needs to be maintained and moisturised – when it starts to dry out, it can eventually crack and peel. To keep leather moisturised, you should apply a suitable cleaner and/or conditioner regularly; you should also make note of the surrounding humidity levels as too low a humidity level can cause the leather to lose its moisture and become brittle.

Most of the time, it is not the leather itself that is cracking, but the finish or sealant on the surface. Using the wrong products to clean the leather can cause the leather to peel off, such as products, which contain solvents and chemicals.

Products that ruin leather because they contain contain Alchohol:

Baby wipes, hairspray, aftershave, hair mousse and some astringents for skin care. 

Even baby wipes can cause damage as the chemicals in them break down and rub the topcoat of the leather off, so while they’re safe for babies, they’re not safe for leather.