When people ask why I'm so passionate about creating toxin-free skincare, I don't start by talking about ingredients or techniques. I start with five letters: MTHFR.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In 2010, after years of unexplained sensitivities and reactions to all kinds of foods, I finally received an answer: I have a mutation in my MTHFR gene. This wasn't just another medical acronym—it was the key to understanding why my body seemed to react so strongly to things others barely noticed.
The MTHFR gene (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) produces an enzyme that helps our bodies convert certain B vitamins into a usable form and plays a crucial role in detoxification. When this gene has a mutation, as it does for approximately 30-40% of the population, it can impact how efficiently our bodies process and eliminate toxins.
For me, this manifested as extreme sensitivity to processed foods and many preservatives commonly found in skincare products. What might cause only mild irritation for someone else could trigger intense reactions for me.
From Patient to Formulator
After my diagnosis, I became obsessive about reading labels. I was shocked to discover how many potential irritants and forever chemicals were hiding in products marketed as "gentle" or "for sensitive skin." The vague term "fragrance" on an ingredient list can legally contain thousands of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are known endocrine disruptors.
When I couldn't find products that met my standards for purity, I did what any reasonable person would do: I turned my kitchen into a laboratory.
My first creations were simple—basic soaps made with essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances, using herbs I grew myself. They weren't fancy, but they were clean, and that gave me peace of mind knowing I was not adding to the toxins exposure that can’t be avoided.
A Mission Takes Shape
What began as a personal health solution slowly transformed into something bigger. Friends with similar sensitivities started asking if they could buy my creations. Family members reported that their seasonal skin issues improved when using my products.
I realized that I wasn't alone in needing truly clean skincare options. There were others like me who had been let down by an industry that often prioritizes scent, texture, and shelf-life over true skin health.
By 2010, Cake Face Soaping was born—named for the pure joy I felt at finally having facial products that didn't require a sacrifice of either effectiveness or safety.
Why This Matters
Understanding my MTHFR status changed my approach to health in general, but especially skin health. Our skin is our largest organ and absorbs much of what we put on it. For those of us with compromised detoxification pathways, this becomes even more significant.
Every product I create for Cake Face Soaping is formulated with this understanding in mind. I source ingredients not just for their cosmetic benefits but for their purity and gentleness on sensitive systems.
In the next post, I'll share how these initial kitchen experiments evolved into our current product line, and how my new business partner Alissa's background as a firefighter brings a unique perspective to our commitment to safety.
Have you experienced sensitivities to conventional skincare products? Have you been diagnosed with MTHFR or another genetic variation that affects how you interact with products? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments.
