Gwyneth Paltrow Reveals Real Reason Behind Selling Shock ‘Vagina’ Candle

Gwyneth Paltrow has once again stirred the cultural pot with her revealing comments at the 2025 Mindvalley Manifesting Summit in Los Angeles. The actress-turned-entrepreneur opened up about the now-infamous “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle—a product that made waves upon its release, both for its name and for its unexpected success.

The Sensational Candle: How It All Started

Paltrow’s foray into selling a candle with such a provocative name might seem out of left field, but the story behind it is more playful than one might expect. According to Paltrow, the idea for the candle was born from a casual conversation. While hanging out with friends, Paltrow mentioned that a particular scent reminded her of female anatomy. The comment was meant in jest, but when her collaborator, Douglas Little from Heretic Parfum, suggested turning it into a marketable product, the idea quickly gained traction.

What began as a lighthearted joke turned into a signature item for Paltrow’s wellness brand, Goop. The candle, priced at $75, features a blend of geranium, bergamot, cedar, Damask rose, and ambrette seed, creating a fragrance that’s as complex as the conversation it sparked. For Paltrow, it’s about much more than creating a novelty product—it’s about shifting cultural perspectives.

Challenging Societal Norms and Empowering Women

During the summit, Paltrow explained that the candle’s real purpose was to challenge the taboo around female sexuality. She shared her intention of using humor and boldness to bring conversations about femininity, identity, and sexuality into the mainstream. “We live in a world that often suppresses female empowerment in subtle ways,” she said. “This candle is my way of saying, ‘Hey, let’s embrace who we are, without shame.’”

The release of the candle ignited conversations not just about the product itself but about the broader societal implications of women’s sexuality. While some dismissed the candle as a marketing gimmick, others saw it as an essential push toward opening the dialogue about women’s bodies and sexuality. “It’s important to laugh about it, own it, and most of all, not let anyone tell us how we should feel about our own bodies,” Paltrow remarked.

Mixed Reactions: Critics and Supporters

Naturally, the candle attracted polarizing reactions. Critics lambasted Paltrow for seemingly capitalizing on controversy, questioning whether the world really needed such a product. However, many fans and supporters defended her, praising her for her audacity in bringing issues of femininity and sexuality into the conversation.

Paltrow’s willingness to stand by the product despite backlash speaks to her resilience and commitment to her mission of empowering women. Even when detractors took to social media to call out the product’s perceived absurdity, Paltrow remained unfazed, reiterating her belief that it’s important to confront uncomfortable topics head-on, especially in the space of personal wellness.

Personal Struggles and Health Reflections

In addition to discussing the candle, Paltrow also reflected on her own struggles with menopause and how she has learned to balance wellness with self-care. She opened up about her experiences with insomnia and her previous reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism during high-stress periods, especially during the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

“For a while, I thought drinking would help me manage stress,” she confessed. “But it only made things worse, particularly my menopause symptoms.” Paltrow’s openness about her own health journey serves as a reminder that even public figures face personal struggles and that honesty is crucial to navigating life’s challenges.

Moving Beyond the Candle: Paltrow’s Continued Advocacy for Women’s Health

By tying the release of her provocative candle to conversations about health and personal well-being, Paltrow has created a space where women can talk openly about their experiences, free of judgment. “I want my products to not just be about self-care but about really addressing the things women are going through—whether it’s menopause, sexuality, or mental health,” Paltrow said. Her work with Goop reflects this ongoing commitment, encouraging women to prioritize themselves and embrace their own narratives.

Conclusion: A Product with Purpose

Gwyneth Paltrow’s “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle may have started as a joke, but it has quickly evolved into a symbol of her larger mission—challenging norms, embracing femininity, and empowering women to take control of their own stories. With her unique blend of humor, honesty, and advocacy, Paltrow continues to push boundaries, showing that even the most controversial products can serve a greater purpose.

In the years ahead, it’s clear that Paltrow’s journey won’t be defined solely by novelty products, but by her ongoing efforts to empower women to live authentically. Whether through her candle, her health advocacy, or her continued work with Goop, she’s making it clear that it’s time for women to take charge of the conversation—and their bodies.

Follow Goop for more on Paltrow’s work and to explore products designed to help you reclaim your wellness journey.