There's the Real Science We Want ... and Then There's Gwyneth Paltrow with GOOP

Gwyneth Paltrow, 45, has come under fire from critics for her website's scientific claims

Zen Yogi:  does she get away with it because she's beautiful?

Unknown, mate, but it's not been without repercussions.

The Skeptic magazine has awarded website Goop its first ever 'Rusty Razor' accolade as the 'best' promoter of the 'worst pseudoscience of the year'

Daily Mail:  Gwyneth's Goop website is handed accolade for WORST pseudoscience nonsense after promoting sex dust, vaginal steaming and bio frequency healing stickers

Zen Yogi:  that's an appropriate award and good to see but it doesn't really answer the question since she still gets away with it in pushing her utter rubbish


Vaginal jade eggs

Earlier this year, there was a storm of controversy when Goop began selling crystal eggs which were claimed to improve women's sex lives.

The site shared tips on how to use Jade and Rose Quartz Eggs that reportedly 'increase chi, orgasms, vaginal muscle tone, hormonal balance, and feminine energy'.

The actress explained in an interview that women should clench the egg inside them all day to exercise their pelvic floor.

Again Dr Gunter waded in to warn the whole idea is nonsense – and could even increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis or deadly toxic shock syndrome.

'I read the post on GOOP and all I can tell you is it is the biggest load of garbage I have read on your site since vaginal steaming,' Dr Gunter wrote in an open letter to Gwyneth Paltrow on her blog.

- DM


Psychic Vampire Repellent

The $30 'spray-able elixir' contains ruby, rosemary, juniper, lavender, and reiki charged with crystals.
According to the site, it will 'banish bad vibes (and shield you from the people who may be causing them)'. 

Users are directed to 'shake gently before each use' then 'spray around the aura to protect from psychic attack and emotional harm.' 

They should avoid contact with eyes and must not ingest or inhale the 'protective mist'.

- DM


Body Vibes

The 'healing stickers made with carbon material used to line space suits' 

Goop initially claimed that its stickers are made with 'a crystalline, carbonized radio-frequency material' culled from spacesuits.

They reportedly 'fill in the deficiencies in your reserves, creating a calming effect, smoothing out both physical tension and anxiety.'

The products – which sell for up to $120 for a set of 24 – can also 'help clear skin by reducing inflammation and boosting cell turnover,' Goop reported, quoting the brand's co-founders, Madison De Clercq and Leslie Kritzer.

- DM

There is definitely opposition to Paltrow's claims:

Butex-NASA official Mark Shelhamer – a one-time chief scientist in the space program's human research division – begs to differ.

'Not only is the whole premise like snake oil, the logic doesn’t even hold up,' he told Gizmodo. 'If they promote healing, why do they leave marks on the skin when they are removed? What a load of BS this is.'

- DM

Zen Yogi:  but still she gets away it

That's right, Yogi, and there's no telling why.


Most or all of you have a keen appreciation of science in bringing better things to a world which directly needs them.  There's another excellent benefit in following the real scientists since it affirms people do more with their lives than pissing them away on social networks and / or video games.

Zen Yogi:  so the answer is to take your snake oil to the social network and sell a million units?

It seems so, Yogi, since being beautiful didn't seem to do her all that much good in the early game but GOOP is everywhere now including at least one chic L.A. boutique.


Zen Yogi:  is it your purpose to slam Gwyneth Paltrow?

No, mate, and she was excellent in the Ironman movies.  I just wouldn't be looking to her for health advice.  There could be a comedy interview if she's willing to go into it knowing she won't be facing New Age cheerleaders.

Zen Yogi:  I do see a tiny problem, Silas

What's that Yogi?

Zen Yogi:  what if the TSA hears them and won't let you board your flight unless you remove them because they're estimated to be a security threat?

Yep, that's ugly, Yogi, but we don't want any part of that circus.  We just wonder how GOOP can sell and there's nothing but charisma speaking for it.

Zen Yogi:  it's a great job if you can get it.  Note:  old Army saying used when any job will probably be better than the one you're doing.

Hmmmm