Actress Gwyneth Paltrow defends producing candle that smells like her vagina

Gwyneth Paltrow is standing firm in the face of criticism surrounding one of her most controversial Goop products, the now-discontinued $75 candle labeled “This Smells Like My Vagina.” Speaking during the 2025 Mindvalley Manifesting Summit in Los Angeles, the Oscar-winning actress and Goop founder offered a blunt response to detractors: “If you don’t like it, go f*** yourself.”

Paltrow explained that the idea for the candle originally began as a joke during a product development meeting. Despite its humorous origin, the candle quickly gained notoriety, ultimately going viral and generating significant media attention — both positive and negative. The unexpected popularity of the product contributed to a broader conversation around female sexuality, branding, and the boundaries of commerce and culture.

Though the original candle has since been pulled from Goop’s lineup, it inspired several follow-up products with similarly provocative names, including “This Smells Like My Orgasm,” “This Smells Like My Prenup,” and the 2022 release “Hands Off My Vagina.” Each item has drawn headlines and sparked debate, cementing Paltrow’s brand as a boundary-pushing wellness platform.

Calling the vagina candle “as punk rock as it gets,” Paltrow defended her decision to market the product, saying she’s proud of the statement it made. Her comments reflect a continued commitment to Goop’s provocative and unconventional approach, and it’s clear she has no regrets about the product that became a lightning rod for both praise and backlash.