Can you still buy incandescent light bulbs?

If you’re wondering, “Can you still buy incandescent light bulbs?” or “Where to buy incandescent light bulbs?” you’re not alone. With the U.S. Department of Energy’s efficiency standards fully in effect as of August 2023, many assume these classic bulbs are gone for good. But here’s the good news: not all incandescent light bulbs were affected by the ban, and you can still find options if you know where to look. Great news, considering incandescent light bulbs might just be one of the healthiest lighting choices out there! 

The ban, rooted in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and updated under the Biden administration, targets “general service lamps” that don’t meet a minimum of 45 lumens per watt. Traditional incandescent bulbs, which typically produce only 15 lumens per watt, largely fell short of this standard, making their manufacture and sale illegal in most cases. However, the law includes several exemptions that keep certain types of incandescent bulbs available.

So, where can you buy incandescent light bulbs in 2025? While most major lighting manufacturers have shifted production mainly toward LEDs, you may still be able to search for some of the exempted categories of incandescent light bulbs. Or you can find them here! Shop beautiful Chromalux® incandescent light bulbs - a very enhanced and more beautiful version of incandescent light bulbs! 

-Silver Bowl incandescents

-Rough Service incandescents 

-130V incandescents 

-Appliance bulbs

-Low Lumen incandescent bulbs 

See if those find you any results! 

Even if the new administration reverses the ban, we find it unlikely that standard usage incandescent light bulbs will be readily available on shelves again. The unfortunate reality (for now, at least!) is that most, if not all, major lighting manufacturers have switched to LED. However, specialty brands like Chromalux® and any others will continue to stick around. 

Chromalux® bulbs were first developed in Finland in 1959 and introduced to the U.S. in 1978, when our founders brought these unique neodymium glass incandescent bulbs to market. The neodymium glass in Chromalux® bulbs refines the visible light spectrum, enhancing color, clarity, and contrast.

At the time, incandescent was the only available lighting technology, so naturally, Chromalux® began with incandescent filaments. Over the years, as LED lighting became more widespread, we expanded our line to include neodymium glass LED options.

However, even today, nothing pairs with our glass technology quite like the warm, natural glow of incandescent light. That’s why we continue to produce and offer Chromalux® incandescent bulbs—because, for the purest light quality, they’re still unmatched.

So why do we still think you need incandescent light bulbs? Because they remain the healthiest, most natural form of “artificial light” available. 

While incandescent bulbs may not perfectly match the color temperature of midday sun (they’re typically around 2700K, whereas noon sunlight is closer to 5000K–6500K), they come remarkably close in terms of how our bodies respond to light. That’s because incandescent (and halogen bulbs, their brighter cousin) emit a full, balanced spectrum of visible and infrared light—something no other technology can naturally replicate. We even refer to them as “analog” light sources thanks to their smooth, continuous light output—free from the sharp peaks and unnatural spikes seen in many LED bulbs. 

Unlike LEDs, which can emit high levels of disruptive blue light and lack nourishing infrared, incandescent bulbs offer a gentle, soothing glow. They don’t strain the eyes, they don’t interfere with sleep, and they support well-being in a way that mimics natural light. In fact, infrared light—often dismissed as "wasteful light” or thermal waste by critics—comprises up to 44% of natural sunlight and plays a key role in cellular health and regeneration. 

Yes, incandescents use more energy—but we see that as a worthwhile trade-off for the quality of light they deliver. That said, mindful usage is key: turn them off when not in use, and consider pairing them with full spectrum LED overhead lighting for ambient fill, while reserving incandescents for lamps and fixtures close to where you spend the most time. That’s where their benefits really shine brightest, after all (pun intended!).

Think of incandescent light bulbs like daily doses of light-based vitamins. Especially with mood-enhancing bulbs like Chromalux® full spectrum incandescent, the light becomes more than illumination—it becomes nourishment for body, mind, and soul.

Thanks for reading!