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In 2009, the incandescent light bulb was phased out, and with it, more than just a light source. A familiar, comforting light was lost. At the time, we protested against the ban together with other experts in light health. Many end consumers were also disappointed because the alternatives available at the time were not convincing: energy-saving bulbs flickered, and early LEDs appeared cold and unnatural. The new light was bright—but it didn’t feel right.
The criticism was justified, because something crucial was missing from the outset: the complete, continuous spectrum of a genuine thermal light source. Above all, natural near-infrared—the invisible component that makes sunlight and classic incandescent light so pleasant—disappeared from our indoor spaces. No wonder people began hoarding light bulbs like treasures back then.
Today, this light is making a comeback. helioLumen® is a world first that combines efficiency and genuine photobiological quality for the first time—making it possible to experience natural light again.
When people talk about “sun-like light,” most think of the midday sun: bright, blue-white, with 5,700 Kelvin. But this standard is a misconception. This is because humans did not evolve under the merciless midday sun, but in three very different light environments that continue to shape our organism to this day:
Our biology is attuned to three basic environments:
It is not the midday sun, but rather the canopy of leaves and the glow of fire that are the lighting environments in which humans have always felt most comfortable. Thanks to its natural thermal spectrum, the incandescent lamp has always provided precisely this quality: continuous light with a high proportion of near-infrared and hardly any harmful blue light. Energy-saving lamps and early LEDs were unable to do this. And even with the advancement of technology, bright, cold midday light was often the misguided model.
Today, things are different: The helioLumen LED is a new a lamp that technically replicates the spectral properties of the incandescent bulb—but without its disadvantages, such as high heat generation or short service life. This is achieved by:
The helioLumen is not an “improved light bulb,” but rather the first LED that technically implements incandescent light’s proven properties.
This closes a gap that has existed since the ban on incandescent light bulbs: a light that not only saves energy but also corresponds to what we have always known.
The body has learned to interpret unfiltered midday light as a stress signal. This makes it all the more incomprehensible that we bring precisely this spectral composition into our homes as "natural light."
The helioLumen LED is available in four versions, ensuring that there is a suitable model for every application. All lamps consume a maximum of 10 watts and are designed as retrofit solutions (E27/E26), meaning they can be easily installed in existing luminaires.
Imagine coming home in the evening and switching on a lamp that doesn’t produce a glare, but emits a warm, soft light like a real candle or a fireplace. The helioLumen candle does just that: with 1,200 Kelvin, it creates an atmosphere that calms and relaxes – without any annoying blue light, but with a high proportion of near-infrared, which also dominates in sunlight in the evening. Ideal for:
If you miss the familiar warmth of an incandescent bulb but don’t want to forego modern LED technology, the helioLumen classic is the right choice for you. With 2,700 Kelvin, it offers a warm white light that makes skin tones appear natural and reproduces colors faithfully (Ra ≥ 98). It is the perfect choice for rooms where light should be present without dominating—for example, in the living room when you are reading a book, or in the dining room, where the light should flatteringly illuminate the food and your guests’ faces.
Here too: dimmable for individual brightness.
Some rooms are used at different times of day and therefore require flexible lighting. The helioLumen vario N offers four light colors (from 2,700 K to 1,200 K) and four brightness levels. In the morning, it can produce bright, warm light that enables concentrated work. In the evening, you can switch to soft, blue-free light that prepares the body for nighttime. Ideally suited for:
The helioLumen vario S goes one step further: it combines the advantages of the vario N with an additional 4,500 Kelvin mode, which is designed to simulate bright, unfiltered midday light—a spectral composition known to increase altertness. The mode is deliberately designed for short-term use only. Danach kann manuell auf 2.700 Kelvin zurückgeschaltet werden, um in einem ruhigeren, ausgewogeneren Licht weiterzuarbeiten. Suitable for:
Light is more than just brightness. How the body reacts to light has been the focus of countless scientific studies for decades—and helioLumen was developed with this knowledge in mind. Everything we at Innovative Eyewear have been preaching for years can be found in this lamp:
Blue light reduction: High-energy visible light (HEVL) between 400 and 470 nm is associated with strain on the retina and lens, especially in children and people who are sensitive to light.
(More on the research: “Photobiology – Blue light” Why children are particularly affected: “Crystal clear lenses“)
Near infrared (NIR) up to 1,000 nm: This invisible but essential spectral range is part of sunlight and thermal light sources—and is missing in most LEDs. The helioLumen integrates it specifically.
(Why we need more NIR: “Invisible but irreplaceable“)
Flicker-free: Even invisible flickering can cause discomfort in sensitive individuals. The helioLumen is completely flicker-free. (More about this: “Light flickering“)
No “human-centric lighting” (HCL): Many HCL systems actively manipulate light spectra to achieve certain effects. HelioLumen, on the other hand, focuses on hormonal neutrality—because it replicates the incandescent bulb that has been tried and tested over many years. (Why we are critical of HCL: “Human-centric lighting explained“)
The result? A lamp that not only saves energy but also produces light that is close to natural light—because it is based on the conditions under which humans have lived for thousands of years: canopy of leaves and firelight, not midday sun.
The helioLumen is not a medical device. All information refers to the technical properties of the light. Individual perceptions may vary.
The helioLumen is more than just a lamp: it is the result of decades of research—developed by Dr. Alexander Wunsch, one of the leading experts on light and its effects. Finally, there is an LED that combines everything we know about natural light – from blue light reduction to near-infrared content – without compromising on efficiency or handling. As a retrofit solution, it can be easily integrated into existing luminaires, making this light accessible to everyone.
The helioLumen shows that progress does not mean coming to terms with technical limitations, but rather combining the best properties of natural light with modern technology. With this in mind, let’s design spaces that are good for us.
Image credits:
Cover image: -Composite image from Sunbeams Streaming… by TrueCreatives via Canva.com and own product photo
In the article:
-Composite image from motifs by Francesco Ungaro / Pexels, Alice Nguyen / Pexels, and Ionut Dabija – all via Canva.com
-Meadow and Sunset by aireowrt / Getty Images via Canva.com as background for own graphics
-New York Public Library II by Bruno Coelho via Canva.com
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