There are few things that I find more restful and restorative at home than the glow provided by a lit candle. Recently, though, I was bothered to learn that the candles I love to burn could be doing more harm than good. Studies have shown that paraffin versions (made of petroleum) release an assortment of carcinogens into the air; some have compared the toxic elements to car exhaust fumes. Scented candles are a further concern, as many manufacturers use synthetic chemicals rather than pure perfume oils. And, although it's rare, some wicks still contain lead. Finding a candle you can feel great about takes a little work. They don't generally carry an ingredients list, other than to promise that the wicks are lead-free. After some research I have turned to soy versions, which I had previously discounted as a gimmick trying to capitalise on the green trend. Not a soy "blend" but pure soy, which, in addition to burning cleanly, will last much longer. Recently I settled on a Linneas Lights hand-poured, double-wicked version (in Cashmere, a yummy mix of patchouli, vanilla and lime) from The One. At Dh149, it was more than I've ever spent for a candle - but still quite a lot less than some of the higher-end paraffin versions out there. I let it burn for most of the weekend and it doesn't seem to have made a dent; the scent is lovely and, best of all, there is no worrisome soot gathering around the glass rim.
Light candles that will burn cleanly
Green queen Paraffin candles release carcinogens into the air, and scented candles use synthetic chemicals.
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