Gwyneth Paltrow Exposes Motivation Behind Vagina Scented Candle: A Defiance Against Body Shamers

Gwyneth Paltrow discussed her infamous Goop vagina scented candle during an August 30 Instagram Stories Q&A session. A fan asked Paltrow how she came up with the idea for the controversial item. Paltrow, 50, responded that the thought process behind the candle was a strong feminist statement. She explained that many women, especially those in her generation, have been raised to believe there is something wrong with their bodies or that the vagina is weird or gross. The candle was intended to be a defiant message to anyone who made women feel that way.

Paltrow clarified that the candle was not meant to smell like her own body part. It had a fragrance of roses and various other scents. She expressed disappointment that some media outlets misrepresented the candle's intention. Paltrow admitted, "But we no longer make the candle."

The "This Smells Like My Vagina" candle, priced at $75, quickly sold out when it was launched in January 2020. The Goop website described it as a humorous, gorgeous, sexy, and surprising scent with notes of geranium, citrusy bergamot, cedar absolutes, Damask rose, and ambrette seed. The goal was to evoke fantasy, seduction, and warmth.

In January 2022, Paltrow released the "Hands Off My Vagina" candle to commemorate the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States. Priced at $75, the candle featured coconut milk, Damascena roses, raw vanilla, hinoki cypress, and toasted cacao for added depth and sensuality. However, the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade by SCOTUS in June 2022 rendered the candle's significance different.

Paltrow has also launched other vagina-related products, such as the $66 Jade Egg. According to the Goop website, yoni eggs incorporate energy work, crystal healing, and a physical practice similar to Kegels. The instructions advise users to insert the egg into their vagina and engage in squeezing and releasing exercises to connect with their bodies. In 2015, Paltrow endorsed vagina steaming as a method to rebalance female hormones.