Goop's 'Vagina' Candle Reportedly Caused 'Inferno' In UK Home

It seems Gwyneth Paltrow's "Vagina" candles have some "unlisted" qualities too. The scented candle from the actress' Goop brand reportedly went up in flames and caused an "inferno" in a woman's home in the United Kingdom.

Jody Thompson, from Kilburn, London, had a rather scary experience with Goop's "This Smells Like My Vagina" candle, The Sun reported. Thompson, who won the product after taking part in an online quiz, said a 50-centimeter flame "leapt" from the candle when she lit it.

"The candle exploded and emitted huge flames, with bits flying everywhere," she told the outlet. "I've never seen anything like it. The whole thing was ablaze and it was too hot to touch. There was an inferno in the room."

Fortunately, Thompson and her partner were able to throw the candle outside before it caused substantial damages. The outlet shared photos of the candle, with its label almost melted and charred.

"It was scary at the time, but funny looking back that Gwyneth's vagina candle exploded in my living room," she told the outlet.

Burning a candle safely

Paltrow launched the "This Smells Like My Vagina Candle" in January 2020. The Goop website describes the product as a "funny, gorgeous, sexy and beautifully unexpected scent."

While the exact cause of the "inferno" is not known, Goop warns that the candle's cotton wicks require "special attention" and they have to be trimmed to 1/8" before lighting.

"Place on a stable, heat resistant surface. Keep wax pool free of debris. Do not burn for more than two hours at a time. Allow glass to cool completely before handling," Goop warns.

Although scented candles can lighten our mood and provide a rather tranquil ambience, they can also cause fire hazards. According to the National Candle Association, an estimated 8,200 house fires are started by candles each year in the United States.

To prevent candle fire hazards, it's important to follow the safety rules. This includes never leaving a candle unattended, trimming the wick to 1/4-inch before lighting, using a heat-resistant candleholder and keeping candles out of reach of children or pets.