Light candles that will burn cleanly

Green queen Paraffin candles release carcinogens into the air, and scented candles use synthetic chemicals.

The One Linneas Lights hand-poured soy candle.

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.