photo credit: The Desert Review

How It All Began!

 "Below Sea Level started with an itchy scalp that kept Hardie scratching her head to discover friendly ingredients to create her own line of cosmetic products. She found the right combination of ingredients that relieved skin irritations— for herself and others." The Desert Review

Hi, I’m Cindy — and I’m so glad you’re here.

I started making my own hair and skin products because I couldn’t find a shampoo that worked for my sensitive scalp. For years I dealt with soreness and itching from store bought products, and it only seemed to get worse. I began looking more closely at the ingredients in the products I was using and became curious about how they were made.

That curiosity led me to try making my own shampoo bar. When I used it and my scalp finally felt calm and comfortable, I knew I had found something worth continuing.

From there I kept learning and experimenting. Over time I began making conditioner bars, facial bars, shaving bars, lotion bars, deodorants, and other products for everyday use.

Today I still make each product with the same goal I started with: simple, thoughtful ingredients that people can feel good using. If you have sensitive skin, or if you just enjoy good products made with care, I hope you’ll love them as much as I do.

Why Below Sea Level?

 My family and I live in Brawley, California—a small town tucked into the heart of the Imperial Valley. Surrounded by fields, sun, and distant mountains, it’s our little desert home in Southern California.

You’ll see “Sea Level” painted high on silos, water tanks, and even the old Holly Sugar beet plant. These markers show just how low our land sits—Brawley is 113 feet below sea level! It’s a unique part of who we are, and we carry it proudly in our name.

Why a Sunflower?

We chose the sunflower as our logo because of the quiet strength and grace it represents. Just as the sunflower turns toward the sun, we aim to turn toward the Son of God each day—looking to Him for direction, light, and purpose in all that we do.

Our Mission

To create thoughtful products that belong in everyday life.

Our Values

Quality, Integrity, Passion, Making a Difference 

Our Company Verse

John 8:12 NIV

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”