Gwyneth Paltrow has never been one to shy away from controversy, but even by her standards, this product raised more than a few eyebrows. The Oscar-winning actress and founder of Goop, now 52, finally opened up about the viral storm surrounding her infamous “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle—and her response is as bold as ever.
A Joke That Lit the Internet on Fire
Back in 2020, the $75 candle became an internet sensation, not for its ingredients—but its name. With a simple white label and a provocative title, the candle sold out almost instantly. Critics blasted it as tasteless. Fans called it empowering. And now, five years later, Gwyneth is reflecting on the chaos she sparked.
Shutterstock.com
Speaking at the 2025 Mindvalley Manifesting Summit, Paltrow explained that the candle started as an innocent joke between her and Heretic perfumer Douglas Little.
“We were playing with scents,” she said, laughing. “I smelled something and was like, ‘Oh, that smells like… you know.’ And Douglas said, ‘We should make that a candle.’ I thought he was kidding. But then—it was literally on the website.”
And just like that, Goop broke the internet.
Embracing the Backlash
Despite the criticism, Gwyneth stood by the candle and what it represented.
“There’s an aspect of women’s sexuality that we’ve been taught to feel ashamed of,” she explained. “I loved the punk rock energy of it. We are beautiful, and we are awesome.”
When asked what she’d say to those who still take issue with it? Her blunt response:
“Go f* yourself.”**
It’s clear she’s not looking for legal defense or a PR clean-up—Paltrow is standing firm on her ground.
Scented Empowerment and Social Impact
Though the candle is no longer available, its fragrance featured a blend of geranium, citrusy bergamot, cedarwood, Damask rose, and ambrette seed—a mix that symbolized freedom, rebellion, and yes, femininity.
Following its success, Goop released equally cheeky follow-ups like “This Smells Like My Orgasm”, “This Smells Like My Prenup”, and in 2022, the politically charged “Hands Off My Vagina.” That candle was launched in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, with Goop donating $25 per sale to the ACLU Foundation’s Reproductive Freedom Project—a move that turned a viral product into a meaningful donation for women’s rights.
A Wellness Icon With No Apologies
Gwyneth Paltrow has spent years redefining wellness on her own terms—from launching alternative beauty products, to advocating for mental health treatment, to encouraging women to take control of their personal care without shame or apology.
Her products may not be for everyone. But her unapologetic voice? It’s resonated far beyond the shelves of Goop.
