Goop’s response to negative press has been similar to other science-deniers: they acknowledge their claims are not fact, but continue to make them. The fundamental problem with Goop isn’t that it’s interested in “wellness” treatments that aren’t scientific; the problem is that it profits off of ignorance and confusion about science, refusing to provide more concrete facts and ultimately marketing this pseudoscience as luxurious. “They say that amethyst -- I think it’s supposed to be heart-opening or something like that…” “Who says this?” “I don’t know!” Goop preaches an open-minded view, claiming that they are simply “asking questions” about alternative solutions to common issues. “We are all free thinkers and able to do things and try things that might benefit our wellness.” But asking these questions without the proper scientific context conveniently displays Goop’s products without any opposing viewpoints, while conveniently absolving the company of any blame should their treatments be disproven -- or worse, have unintended consequences on customers. One woman actually died after undergoing bee-venom therapy, a treatment backed by Paltrow in a NUMBER_TOKEN New York Times interview. With no option to review products on Goop’s website, these claims -- despite the company’s own acknowledgement that they may be false -- have an impact on customers, who may decide to undergo treatments or use products that have unforeseen and potentially dangerous side effects. “Goop is using deceptive marketing to tell consumers it has products that can treat, cure or prevent a host of diseases and disorders.” Goop has taken some steps in recent years to recruit actual scientists and fact-checkers to their team, as well as more clearly differentiate between medical versus recreational or unproven treatments to their customers. And the company has also used their platform and influence to promote more open conversations surrounding female pleasure and sexual wellness. This is a positive message (at least in theory) “Goop is such a safe environment for me to explore my sexual wellness.” In the Goop Lab episode centered on sexual wellness, the show does a good job focusing on access to sexual education and information, rather than products, to help women achieve greater sexual fulfillment. “We can’t receive pleasure that we don’t ask for.” Yet all of this Goop content surrounded around vaginas, femininity, and sexual pleasure in the end really feels like creative advertising. It’s focused on selling feminism as a product -- like their infamous “vagina-scented candles” “What a punk rock, feminist statement to have that on your table.” -- instead of a true message for change on a societal level. While this marketing campaign may encourage some women to explore their sexuality, in the end, like with everything, Goop is simply using this ideology to power shopping. To see the truth behind goop’s women-centric marketing and superficially feminist message, you only need to look at how they treat aging. Aligning with the patriarchal double-standard that women must appear young to be beautiful, while men can be attractive at all ages, Goop seems to approach aging as a problem to stave off at all costs. “I think people everywhere are incredibly concerned with their appearance and how they’re aging physically.” Rather than empowering women to embrace their age, Goop makes and promotes several products -- from skincare to supplements -- which claim to slow down
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