Why Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Brand Is A Bit Problematic

No one can deny that Gwyneth Paltrow is a phenomenal actress. With roles in hit films such as the Iron Man series and Shakespeare in Love (via IMDb), Paltrow is talented. And while her talent is something a lot of fans can speak of, not many can co-sign her wellness brand, Goop.

Founded in 2008, Goop is Paltrow's health and wellness brand that offers products and recommendations that'll help women live healthy and happy lives, according to Cheat Sheet. The issue, however, is that Paltrow's brand is problematic for numerous reasons, including high pricing, pseudo-science wellness practices, and more, the outlet reported.

For example, according to Cheat Sheet, some products available on Goop's website included a $425 kitchen knife, a $1,220 casserole dish, and a $7,425 lamp. Many to-be buyers were confused about why everyday household items had such high price points, per Cheat Sheet.

Us Weekly reports Goop selling controversial wellness products such as a jade egg — a product that supposedly increases sexual energy when placed in your vagina — and a "This Smells Like My Vagina" candle. Cheat Sheet says that using these products or following Goop's alternative wellness practices may be dangerous, especially since there is little to no scientific evidence backing these products.

With that being said, maybe spending your money on Goop's products isn't such a good idea.

If you still want to practice wellness or holistic health, don't fret! There are plenty of wellness brands that offer safe (and scientific) products.

Popdust recommends Naaya Wellness, a brand that facilities healing through movement, wellness practices, and community affirmation. Additionally, the outlet reported that Naaya, compared to Goop, is decolonizing wellness spaces and making them more inclusive to Black, indigenous, and other people of color.

Another wellness brand Popdust recommends is Ethel's Club, a Black-owned social club for people of color. This club, the outlet reports, is designed to celebrate people of color, offer therapeutic resources, and cultivate online cultural conversations. This wellness brand also hosts virtual events and even plans to have real-life events in the future, according to Popdust.

If you're not into Ethel's Club or Naaya Wellness, try The Unplug Collective or Black Girl in Om (via Popdust). Regardless of which one you choose, there are so many more wellness options than Goop. Why continue supporting a problematic brand that's not only costly, but offers dangerous wellness practices? Spend your money on something worth it, and Goop is certainly not it.