Chemical Guys vs The Competition – What Brand Actually Makes the Best Detailing Products?

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Tired of wondering which detailing brand actually works best? In this full comparison, we stack up Chemical Guys against P&S, Suds Lab, ExoForma, 303, and more—and reveal what products are actually worth your money.

Chemical Guys vs The Competition – What Brand Actually Makes the Best Detailing Products?

Chemical Guys vs The Competition – What Brand Actually Makes the Best Detailing Products?

With so many detailing brands competing for attention—Chemical Guys, P&S, Suds Lab, 303, ExoForma—it’s tough to know which products actually perform, and which ones are just hype in a bottle.

In this post, we’ll break down how Chemical Guys stacks up against its growing list of competitors—and we’ll explain the actual product order that works, regardless of brand.

Chemical Guys vs P&S Detailing

P&S: Trusted by pros. Solid chemistry. Efficient, no-fluff formulas like Bead Maker and Brake Buster.

Chemical Guys: Broader selection, but often with overlapping SKUs and fragrance-heavy formulas that don’t last.

✅ Edge: P&S – simpler, more durable, less marketing

Chemical Guys vs Suds Lab

Suds Lab: Direct-to-consumer brand gaining traction. Some good formulas, but limited testing over time.

Chemical Guys: More selection, but more confusion. Many customers end up buying multiple products that do the same thing.

✅ Edge: Tie – Suds Lab has promise, but lacks real-world testing. CG still struggles with clarity.

Chemical Guys vs 303 Products

303: Known for their Aerospace Protectant, which delivers UV protection without greasy buildup. Good value. Limited variety.

Chemical Guys: Offers more options for every category, but few that outperform 303’s best-sellers.

✅ Edge: 303 for trim/interior protection. CG only wins on variety, not performance.

Chemical Guys vs ExoForma

ExoForma: Sleek branding. Decent formulas. Still early-stage and chasing visibility.

Chemical Guys: Massive visibility, but inconsistent formulas and over-hyped marketing.

✅ Edge: Jimbo’s Detailing – outperforming both on real-world results

What Order Should You Use Chemical Guys Products In?

Many customers get confused trying to follow the “Chemical Guys order of application” because there are too many overlapping steps. Here’s a simplified version of the actual workflow that works—whether you’re using CG or any brand:

✅ The Proven Product Order That Works

  1. Pre-rinse or foam – Use a high-lubricity wash like The Super Soaper
  2. Contact wash – Use soft microfiber mitts or towels
  3. Clay if needed – For bonded contamination
  4. Polish (optional) – Use Picture Perfect Polish
  5. Protect – Apply Tough As Shell to seal in gloss and durability
  6. Interior – Clean with Complete Cabin Cleaner
  7. Trim/Tires – Finish with All Dressed Up for a matte, protected finish

Final Verdict

Chemical Guys still dominates shelves—but brands like P&S, 303, and even newcomers like ExoForma are chipping away at their authority. If you want a brand built by a detailer, for detailers, Jimbo’s Detailing is the smarter option across every category.

Explore the Jimbo’s System – Simplified and Proven

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best brand compared to Chemical Guys?

Brands like Jimbo’s Detailing and P&S are often favored by pros for their efficiency, clarity, and performance. Chemical Guys has visibility, but not consistency.

Is Chemical Guys better than 303?

Only in variety. 303’s interior protectants like Aerospace Protectant are industry staples. CG offers more—but doesn’t always perform better.

What’s the correct order to apply detailing products?

Pre-rinse, wash, clay, polish (if needed), protect, dress trim/tires, then freshen the interior. This works for any brand if the formulas are solid.

Why are people leaving Chemical Guys?

Too many SKUs, too much scent, not enough real performance. People want fewer steps, longer-lasting results, and pro-grade quality—which CG doesn’t always deliver.