# Gwyneth Paltrow explains Goop candle origins

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gwyneth-paltrow-explains-goop-candle-origins
> Updated: 2026-09-25T23:59:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Gwyneth Paltrow has provided details regarding the origins and discontinuation of the viral Goop candle titled ‘This Smells Like My Vagina’. 

Paltrow explained on the podcast ‘Friends Keep Secrets’ that the product began as a joke during a creative session with director Douglas Little. While testing scents involving ingredients such as tomato leaves and seaweed, Paltrow jokingly remarked, ‘Well, this smells like my vagina.’ Little pursued the idea, resulting in the 2020 launch of the $75 product. Paltrow clarified that the actual scent consisted of bergamot, geranium, damask rose, cedarwood, and ambrette seed rather than the name suggested.

She described the candle as a ‘punk-rock rebellion’ intended to deliver a feminist message and challenge bodily shame. The product's massive popularity eventually led to other items, such as ‘This Smells Like My Orgasm,’ but the original candle was ultimately discontinued to prevent the phenomenon from distracting the public from Goop’s core brand activities.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Gwyneth Paltrow explains origin of viral Goop candle

Gwyneth Paltrow revealed that her Goop brand's viral “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle was created as a joke during the fragrance development process.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gwyneth-paltrow-explains-origin-of-viral-goop-candle

### 2026-09-08: Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow explains discontinuation of viral candle

Gwyneth Paltrow explained that Goop stopped selling its viral “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle because its massive popularity was distracting customers from the brand’s other products.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gwyneth-paltrow-explains-why-goop-stopped-selling-controversial-candle

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Cite as: Gwyneth Paltrow explains Goop candle origins. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gwyneth-paltrow-explains-goop-candle-origins