Real vs. Fake Labubus: How to Tell the Difference

PDF download Download Article
Plus, learn where to buy authentic Labubus
PDF download Download Article

Move over, Beanie Babies and Squishmallows, there’s a new toy trend taking over the internet—Labubus. Labubus are so-ugly-they’re-cute monster toys and keychains that sell out in seconds. It’s possible to buy them from resellers, but you run the risk of receiving a fake (which fans affectionately call a Lafufu). But how do you tell the difference? Don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of the most common ways to spot a fake Labubu . Plus, we’ll explain how and where to buy authentic Labubus , why fake ones are so popular , and whether it’s worth it to buy a counterfeit.

How to Tell If a Labubu Is Real

  • Packaging: Real Labubus come in a box with a matte finish and smooth feel.
  • QR code: Newer Labubus have a QR code that takes you to Pop Mart’s website.
  • Features: Real Labubus have ears that point slightly inward, 9 teeth, and pale, peachy faces.
  • Quality: Real Labubus have soft fur and seamless stitching.
  • Foot stamp: Labubus have a Pop Mart logo on their left foot, and newer models have a stamp only visible under UV light on their right.
Section 1 of 5:

How to Tell if a Labubu Is Real or Fake

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Examine the box’s color and finish. A real Labubu box will have a matte finish and a smooth feel. The colors will also be muted and borderline faint. Fake boxes, on the other hand, are usually shiny, textured, and vibrant. [1]
    • Look for minor details, too. For example, check the trash can symbol on the back of the box. The arrow in the symbol will have rounded corners on a real box, but they’ll be square on a fake one.
    • Sometimes, scammers will put fake Labubus, affectionately known as Lafufus, in real Labubu boxes, so remember to check other features, as well.
  2. 2
    Look for a QR code in the box. Authentic Labubus come with a QR code that, when scanned, will take you to the toy company Pop Mart’s official landing page. A fraudulent code will direct you to another site, a look-alike site, or lag for a few seconds before taking you to Pop Mart’s site. Some fake Labubus may not have a QR code at all. [2]
    • Many QR codes are located inside the Labubu’s box, though some may be on the outside or on a tag on the toy itself.
    • A real QR code will be sharp and in focus, while a fake one may appear blurry.
    • Note: Earlier Labubu models did not come with a QR code, so if your Labubu doesn’t have one, it could be an older version of the doll. Be sure to check its other features to ensure it’s real.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Count your Labubu’s teeth. Each Labubu should have 9 pointy teeth. If it has more or less, it’s an obvious counterfeit. Some fakes also have 9 teeth, but they’re typically poorly painted with a noticeable gap between the teeth and the blue line of the mouth. The teeth may also be connected with no distinct spacing. [3]
  4. 4
    Inspect the face shade and finish. An authentic Labubu’s face will be a pale, peachy color, while fakes often use more vibrant shades of orange, pink, or yellow. A real Labubu will have a smooth, matte finish, crisp paint lines, and glossy eyes embedded into the vinyl, while fakes will have sloppy paint jobs and unpolished features. The eyes may also stick out. [4]
    • A real Labubu will have soft blush, while a fake may have harsh circles.
    • Tip: If you have a black light, shine it on the Labubu’s nose. An authentic Labubu’s paint will react and glow under black light, while a fake will not.
  5. 5
    Look for a stamp on its right foot. Labubus released in 2024 or later come with a seal on the right foot that is only detectable by UV lighting. Shine a black light on the Labubu’s foot; if it’s real, you should see a silhouette of the Labubu you received. This doesn’t apply to earlier models, however. [5]
  6. 6
    Feel the fur and material quality. Plush Labubus have soft, fluffy fur and seamless stitching that blends into the vinyl face. Fakes often have coarse, cheap fur, visible stitches, and frayed threads. [6]
  7. 7
    Check for a Pop Mart logo on the left foot. Genuine Labubus have a clear Pop Mart logo embossed or printed on their left foot. The font should be clear and sharp with no misspellings, and the logo is centered in the middle of the foot, not toward the top or bottom. Otherwise, it’s likely a fake. [7]
    • Check how the feet feel, as well. Authentic Labubu feet are soft, flexible, and made from the same vinyl material as the face. Fake versions may feel hard and plasticky and appear oversized.
  8. 8
    Look for an identity card. Real Labubu dolls and keychains come with a well-printed identity card in pastel tones and a dark, clear logo. They’ll also come with a desiccant packet. Fake Labubus may come with a low-quality, blurry print, or they may not have an identity card at all. [8]
  9. 9
    Pay attention to the ears and hairline. Labubus have ears that are spaced closely together and slightly point inward. Lafufus, on the other hand, may have ears that stick straight up or are spaced too far apart. They may also have a hairline that sits too high on the doll’s head. [9]
  10. 10
    Spot any spelling errors on the tag. Closely examine the tag on your Labubu. If you spot a spelling mistake, it’s a good sign the toy is fake. Real tags will feature high-quality printing, while fakes may be blurry and hard to read.
    11. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

How to Buy an Authentic Labubu

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Purchase a Labubu directly from Pop Mart. The best way to know that your Labubu is authentic is to buy it from the source—the Chinese toy company Pop Mart. However, Pop Mart sells out of Labubu products quickly, so it can be difficult to get your hands on one. Some sources claim that Pop Mart restocks online on Thursdays at 9 PM EST and in-store on Fridays at 10 AM. [10]
    • Many collectors recommend checking the Pop Mart website 15-30 minutes before the official drop to increase your chances of snagging one.
    • Check out Pop Mart’s store locator to see if there’s a location near you.
    • Pop Mart also sells Labubus on their Amazon storefront , but they typically sell out just as quickly as Pop Mart’s website and stores.
  2. 2
    Try your luck with a reseller. If you can’t get a Labubu from Pop Mart, it’s possible to find authentic figures from resellers, though you’ll typically have to pay more. Start with certified reseller sites like StockX , as these have verification systems that help ensure buyers are receiving the real deal. If you buy from a third party, use the tips in this article to ensure you won’t get a counterfeit.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

What is a Labubu?

PDF download Download Article
  1. A Labubu is a collectible plush toy monster. Labubu is a monster elf character designed by artist Kasing Lung and was originally a part of his story series The Monsters , which was inspired by Nordic folklore. Labubu was first introduced in 2015 and gained wider recognition in 2019 after a collaboration with Pop Mart. [11]
    • Labubus went viral in 2024, after Blackpink member Lisa was spotted with a Labubu keychain on her bag.
    • Labubu figures are frequently sold in blind boxes and themed lines, encouraging fans to buy and collect them all.
    • Other The Monsters characters include Mokoko, Pato, Spooky, Tycoco, and Zimomo, though Labubu is by far the most popular.
Section 4 of 5:

Why are fake Labubus so popular?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Fake Labubus are popular because they’re affordable and easy to obtain. Authentic Labubus are almost exclusively available from the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, where they sell out quickly. It’s also possible to buy them from resellers, but they usually raise the prices because of high demand. [12] Because it’s so hard to get your hands on real Labubus, many people prefer to get fake Labubus, or Lafufus, because they’re cheaper and easier to find.
    • Because fake Labubus often have silly defects (like lopsided faces or missing or backwards hands), many people find them endearing. This makes them even more popular, as buyers love to laugh at their imperfections.
    • While many sellers are upfront that their products are fake, some try to scam buyers by claiming they’re selling authentic Labubus. Remember that if a listing sounds like it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
    2. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

Should you buy a Lafufu?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Buy a Lafufu if you want a cheaper alternative to a Labubu. Not all Lafufus, or fake Labubus, are made equal. You may get lucky and buy one that looks fairly similar to an authentic Labubu, or you may get one with a lot of defects. If you can’t find or afford a real Labubu, however, a Lafufu may be a cheaper alternative. If you enjoy DIY projects, you may even be able to make your Lafufu look more like the real deal. It’s ultimately your decision if you want to buy a knockoff or try to get the real thing. [13]
    • Some fans actually love their Lafufus more than real Labubus! It all depends on what qualities you’re looking for in your collectibles.
    • Don’t spend too much money on your Lafufu. Stick to trusted platforms and make sure the price reflects the quality. Don’t spend hundreds of dollars on a counterfeit item that claims to be authentic.
    • If you want a Lafufu, check sites like eBay, AliExpress, and Temu for budget-friendly options.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Crochet a Toy Storage Hammock
      How to
      Tell If Your Hot Wheels Are Worth Money
      How to
      Throw in Blitzball
      How to
      Fold a Pack and Play
      How to
      Turn Your Furby Evil
      How to
      Untangle and Soften Doll Hair
      How to
      Turn On a Furby
      How to
      Set Up a Pack 'N Play
      How to
      Build RC Cars
      How to
      Make Your Tamagotchi Grow
      How to
      Fix a Popped Rubik's Cube
      How to
      Take Care of a Reborn Baby Doll
      How to
      Clean Marker off a Doll
      How to
      Remove Ink from an American Girl Doll's Face
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://snkrdunk.com/en/magazine/2024/12/04/real-vs-fake-labubu-tips-to-ensure-your-collection-is-authentic/
      2. ↑ https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/labubu-fan-shares-one-detail-31274258
      3. ↑ https://snkrdunk.com/en/magazine/2024/12/04/real-vs-fake-labubu-tips-to-ensure-your-collection-is-authentic/
      4. ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/what-is-a-labubu-rcna210622
      5. ↑ https://www.popmartworld.com/news/how-to-tell-your-labubu-is-fake
      6. ↑ https://snkrdunk.com/en/magazine/2024/12/04/real-vs-fake-labubu-tips-to-ensure-your-collection-is-authentic/
      7. ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/what-is-a-labubu-rcna210622
      8. ↑ https://snkrdunk.com/en/magazine/2024/12/04/real-vs-fake-labubu-tips-to-ensure-your-collection-is-authentic/
      9. ↑ https://www.popmartworld.com/news/how-to-tell-your-labubu-is-fake
      1. ↑ https://www.today.com/shop/what-are-labubus-rcna208265
      2. ↑ https://www.today.com/shop/what-are-labubus-rcna208265
      3. ↑ https://www.today.com/shop/what-are-labubus-rcna208265
      4. ↑ https://labubuworld.com/what-is-lafufu-your-ultimate-guide-to-labubus-knockoff-cousin/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 355 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement