Goop’s bad eggs
THE vaginal jade eggs sold by Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle company, Goop, might have more health benefits than one of its essential oils — the eggs and the oil were the target of a recent investigation by California’s Food, Drug and Medical Device Task Force.
The Inner Judge Flower Essence Blend, $22 per half-ounce, is a scent-free liquid that appears to be water. But Goop claimed it “supports self-acceptance, flexibility, compassion and forgiveness.” The Orange County District Attorney’s office put it another way: “Goop advertised that the Inner Judge Flower Essence Blend could help prevent depression.”
“It can be used frequently (every 5 to 15 minutes) to help prevent ‘shame spirals’ downward toward depressive states,” Goop stated without irony. “This gracefilled formula shows us how to forgive ourselves and others.”
On Tuesday, Goop agreed to pay $145,000 in civil penalties to resolve allegations that it made unsubstantiated claims about three products. Along with the flower water were the Jade Egg and the Rose Quartz Egg, which are inserted into the vagina and Goop claimed could balance hormones, regulate menstrual cycles and increase bladder control.
Paltrow’s lifestyle firm will refund customers who bought the tincture and the stone eggs, which range in price from $55 to $66.
Goop did not admit liability or any wrongdoing in the settlement, but reportedly wanted to settle the lawsuit, which was filed Friday, quickly.