Natural should mean natural. While the word "natural" has been overused and abused, in our world it means using vegetable oils and butters, minerals, essential oils for scent, and plant extracts for color. We do not and will not add synthetic fragrances or colors to our products. And, of course, none of our products are tested on animals. All testing is done on willing human volunteers. Aromatherapy is the basis for our products. Our essential oil blends are designed to inspire tranquil, soothing, exhilarating, adventurous, and practical experiences. We believe in sticking to our ethics when choosing ingredients, and we don't hide fillers and chemicals within our products or their labeling. As much as possible, we use minimal packaging printed on recycled paper.

Biodegradable. Recycled. Taken from nature but always returned. Naturally.

Sarah Porter, Founder/President

Fresh out of college and armed with a biology degree, I began working in a medical research lab. Over time, I learned that exposure to so many different chemicals at work were giving me rashes and making my skin very sensitive. The combination of chemical exposure and the use of commercial (synthetic) body products at home left my skin problems getting worse. After a great deal of searching for something to help my skin, I found that handcrafted soaps made with vegetable oils, essential oils and herbs were moisturizing and healing. My rashes were virtually gone. This incredible change for me happened in 1996, and I read everything I could find about soapmaking, herbs, essential oils, and aromatherapy. My soapmaking journey began.

In 1998, a job in a plant molecular biology lab put me into the science field I preferred to be in. Although I enjoyed the lab work, it somehow was still not fulfilling, and I continued to be exposed to many chemicals. I decided to combine my love of plants, aromatherapy, and science to forge a new career. After much soul searching, I left the science world to start a handcrafted herbal soap company. Since then, I have been able to create a fulfilling business and help many people discover the joys of natural, handcrafted soaps and toiletries. These days, so many people tell me that I have beautiful skin, and trust me, it isn't because of drugstore or department store beauty products. I wash my face and body with our soaps every day in the dry, arid climate of Colorado. I have one simple wish: to share our natural products with everyone who has faced the challenge of sensitive skin. Nature does have an answer.

Several years of experimentation went into the genesis of Outer Body Experience soaps. Our company was created with humble beginnings in a small basement kitchen in Denver. We have certainly come a long way since our first sales in November of 1999. After several years of research and development, we've expanded to a production studio for our products, and our goals have not changed. We continue to create beautiful, natural products for skin, face, and hair.

Where did our name come from? Well, Phil and I are word nerds of a sort, and we happen to have senses of humor. The proper term, of course, is "out-of-body experience", but we make skincare products that are applied to your outer body. Thus, the amusing company name. It seems the two names are easily confused, but trust me, our name is a play on words, not misuse of a term. So, for those folks who like to publish their stories of leaving their bodies and joining the celestial world, please note that you had an out-of-body experience, and you'll need an Outer Body Experience to clean yourself up!

Thank you for your interest in our company. I hope that you will find my research and products to be beneficial to you as well!

Phil Porter, Vice-President

My partner in life and in business, Phil takes care of many behind-the-scenes activities such as website design, packaging, shipping, and various other activities. He's also the bearded fellow you may have been lucky enough to encounter at the Cherry Creek Farmer's Market in Denver!

Comedy fans are welcome to see Phil perform at the Comedy Works in downtown Denver. He also performs at the Wit's End in Westminster, Colorado, and many other locations.

The OBE Crew

Our products are made, packaged, and shipped by hand. We have incredible folks like Aimee, Chuck, and Gwen who help to keep up with demand! Here's just a sampling of who we are: Aimee is our resident vegan, Chinese medicine, and acupuncture specialist. Chuck plays bass (momma played fiddle - sorry, couldn't resist...) in a nationally-touring band, and Gwen is the toughest chick we know who also flies planes. Throw in Sarah's science background and writing aspirations along with Phil's comedy hootenannies, and it's quite a scene. When trying our soaps or other products, please know that dedicated and very cool people stand behind the quality you expect and deserve. We strive to nurture a fun and friendly place in which to work where every person has a say. This makes for interesting days, and we wouldn't trade it for anything!