By Mushfi 
Gwyneth Paltrow’s candle, titled This Smells Like My Vagina, quickly became a viral sensation after its debut, sparking debates and generating buzz due to its daring name, steep price tag, and the eccentric nature of the Goop brand. With a combination of humor, luxury, and controversy, the candle has become one of the most talked-about products in the wellness and lifestyle sector. This article takes an in-depth look at the origins of the candle, its impact on the fragrance and luxury industries, and how it fits into the larger cultural conversation.
What is the Goop Candle?
At the center of this conversation is the now-infamous This Smells Like My Vagina candle. Released in January 2020 by Paltrow’s lifestyle brand, Goop, the candle immediately caused a stir with its unconventional name and promise of a fragrance that captures a personal, intimate scent. According to Goop, the candle’s aroma is a blend of geranium, bergamot, citrus, and cedarwood, with underlying notes of Damask rose, ambrette seed, and grapefruit. The result is described as an “unexpected” and “playful” fragrance—floral with a hint of musk, supposedly reflecting Paltrow’s scent.
Though some initially dismissed the candle as a joke, its name, price, and association with celebrity culture turned it into a key talking point in the realms of wellness, luxury, and pop culture. Since its release, the candle has sold out multiple times, and Goop has followed it up with other similarly bold candles, including This Smells Like My Orgasm, further cementing the brand’s reputation for provocative products.
How the Candle Came to Be
The idea for this daring product came from a collaboration between Goop’s creative director and renowned perfumer Douglas Little. Little, who had worked with the brand on previous projects, was tasked with creating a scent that would align with Goop’s whimsical yet high-end persona. During one brainstorming session, Paltrow jokingly suggested that the candle should smell like her vagina. While the idea was initially meant to be playful, Goop decided to turn it into a real product.
Though the name may have started as a humorous notion, it quickly resonated with consumers, turning the candle into a cultural phenomenon. The success of This Smells Like My Vagina highlights Goop’s ability to tap into contemporary trends and combine luxury with an irreverent, sometimes subversive sense of humor.
The Controversy Surrounding the Candle
The provocative name of the candle naturally sparked heated reactions. Some saw it as empowering, viewing it as a bold statement that challenges the taboos surrounding female sexuality and the female body. For others, however, the name came off as vulgar or unnecessary. Critics accused Goop of relying on shock value to drive sales, while fans celebrated Paltrow’s willingness to push boundaries.
In addition to the name, the candle’s hefty price tag—$75 for a single candle—added fuel to the fire. Goop is no stranger to selling high-end wellness products, and This Smells Like My Vagina was no exception. While some consumers viewed the candle as a fun and unique luxury item or an attention-grabbing gift, others balked at the steep cost, particularly for a scented candle.
Despite the controversy, the candle became a commercial success, and its unconventional appeal helped drive interest in Goop’s broader range of products, from skincare to supplements.
What Does the Candle Smell Like?
While the name certainly garners attention, the candle’s scent has also played a key role in its popularity. According to Goop’s description, the fragrance is a sophisticated mix of floral, citrus, and woody notes. The main ingredients include:
Geranium: A fresh, green floral note that adds vibrancy to the scent.
Citrus and Bergamot: These bright, citrusy notes help balance the floral elements and give the fragrance an uplifting quality.
Damask Rose: A rich, romantic floral note that adds depth to the fragrance.
Ambrette Seed: This musky, animalistic note introduces an earthy, sensual base.
Cedar: A grounding, woody note that anchors the scent with warmth.
The combination of these elements creates a fragrance that is both delicate and bold, with a subtle musk that many interpret as evocative of intimacy. Paltrow has described the scent as “unexpected,” which aligns with the candle’s playful and audacious name.
The fragrance itself is intentionally layered, designed to capture an authentic, unapologetic feminine energy. In interviews, Paltrow has referred to the scent as “a little punk rock, but also sophisticated,” a perfect encapsulation of the unique and boundary-pushing spirit of Goop.
Why Did People Buy It?
Despite its controversial nature, the candle quickly gained popularity. Several factors contributed to its commercial success:
Celebrity Influence
As with many of Goop’s offerings, Gwyneth Paltrow’s celebrity status played a major role in the product’s appeal. With a large following of fans who are loyal to her brand, many saw purchasing the candle as an opportunity to connect with Paltrow’s world of luxury wellness, self-care, and alternative thinking.
The Power of Provocation
In an era of viral marketing and social media-driven trends, the boldness of the candle’s name itself generated significant buzz. Whether they were intrigued, shocked, or amused, many people were compelled to check out the candle, sparking conversations and debates that helped fuel its popularity.
Luxury and Exclusivity
At $75, the candle positioned itself as a high-end luxury product. Goop is known for offering premium wellness items, and This Smells Like My Vagina fits seamlessly into this aesthetic. For some buyers, purchasing the candle was a way to indulge in a unique, luxurious product that also offered a playful, provocative twist.
A Statement on Feminine Empowerment
For many, the candle was seen as an empowering statement. It challenged the societal taboos around female sexuality and body image, presenting an unapologetic celebration of femininity. In a time when women were often pressured to conform to narrow definitions of beauty and propriety, the candle became a symbol of confidence and self-expression.
The Cultural Impact of the Goop Candle
The This Smells Like My Vagina candle has transcended being just another luxury item; it has become a cultural touchstone. It exemplifies how celebrity-driven products can influence consumer behavior and shape trends in the wellness and luxury markets. Beyond the product itself, the candle reflects a growing emphasis on self-expression, personal branding, and boundary-pushing in the beauty and wellness industries.
Since its release, several brands have followed suit, creating provocative products with cheeky names. The candle also sparked larger conversations about gender, marketing, and the commodification of feminine identity. Much like other Goop products, it has become a conversation starter that pushes societal norms while appealing to a niche audience willing to pay for bold, exclusive items.
Looking Ahead
The This Smells Like My Vagina candle is more than just a quirky product; it’s a cultural moment in the world of celebrity-driven luxury goods. With its cheeky name, complex scent, and hefty price tag, it has generated both admiration and criticism. Whether loved or loathed, the candle’s impact on pop culture is undeniable. It embodies the bold, unapologetic spirit of Goop and has earned its place in the world of viral marketing and modern luxury goods.
FAQs:-
What is Gwyneth Paltrow’s candle called?
The candle is called This Smells Like My Vagina. It was released by Paltrow’s lifestyle brand, Goop, in January 2020. The quirky and provocative name has contributed to its notoriety.
What does the candle smell like?
The scent has been described as a mix of floral, citrusy, and earthy notes. According to Goop, it includes top notes of grapefruit, geranium, and bergamot, with underlying hints of cedarwood, damask rose, and ambrette seed. It aims to evoke a balance of sophistication and warmth. Paltrow herself has referred to the scent as “funny” and “sexy.”
Why is the candle called ‘This Smells Like My Vagina’?
The name of the candle is a playful and cheeky take on the idea of personal scent and intimacy. Gwyneth Paltrow, who is known for her bold and sometimes controversial product choices, wanted to explore the concept of body scent in an unconventional way. The name also reflects the sense of empowerment and confidence that Paltrow promotes through her brand Goop.
To read more, Click Here