Real vs. Fake Labubus: How to Tell the Difference

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Plus, learn where to buy authentic Labubus
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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 . We also spoke to Fashion Authentication Expert Daniel Gbenle for tips on recognizing a fake. 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

  • QR code: According to fashion authentication expert Daniel Gbenle, newer Labubus have a QR code that takes you to Pop Mart’s website.
  • Packaging: Real Labubus come in a box with a matte finish and smooth feel.
  • 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

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  1. 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.

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Daniel Gbenle is a Fashion Authentication Expert and founder of Certisfied based in Atlanta, GA. He has over 10 years of experience in product authentication.

  2. Authentic Labubus come with a QR code that, when scanned, will take you to the toy company Pop Mart’s official landing page. According to Gbenle, “Each toy comes with a [QR] code on the box. You can scan the code which should take you to Pop Mart’s official website [where there should be] verifiable information of the piece you have in hand.” [2] 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. [3]
    • Additionally, Gbenle says it’s a red flag if the QR code is broken. [4]
    • 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.
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  3. 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. [5]
  4. 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. [6]
    • Gbenle notes, “Authentic Labubu eyes are glossy and [the] glass-like finish reflects natural lighting, [which] makes them look lively. The eyes are also designed to show emotions [like] curiosity, happiness, [and] mischief; [they] should not look emotionless. A good test is to put [the toy] under natural light and tilt it slightly from left to right. The eyes should pop and feel alive.” [7]
    • 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. 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. [8]
  6. 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. [9]
    • Along with the quality, look at the overall size and weight. Gbenle says, “An authentic Labubu should weigh about 0.2-0.3 pounds, which is equivalent to a medium size apple or a standard chocolate bar. If it feels unusually heavy or as light as an empty can of soda, then it’s a red flag for a fake.” [10]
    • Gbenle continues, “[The toy] should be as tall as the tip of your middle finger to your wrist. Knockoffs usually are noticeably shorter.” [11]
  7. 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. [12]
    • 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. 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. [13]
    • According to Gbenle, “[The card] should be thick, sturdy and should feel premium. Each card should match the figure of the Labubu in the box, [including] the pose, costume, and accessories, which also makes the card look vibrant and full of color. A fake Labubu may not have the card, or the pose, costume, or accessories might be different.” [14]
  9. 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. [15]
  10. 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.
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Buy an Authentic Labubu

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  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. [16]
    • 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.
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Section 3 of 5:

What is a Labubu?

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  1. 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. [17]
    • 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?

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  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. [18] 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.
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Section 5 of 5:

Should you buy a Lafufu?

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  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. [19]
    • 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.

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Join the Discussion...

How to tell if your labubu is fake
wikiHow Editorial Team
It can be a little tricky to spot a fake Labubu, or Lafufu , but there are some common signs and inconsistencies that are a dead giveaway you don't have the real deal:
  • Inconsistent or misspelled text on packaging
  • Shiny or textured finish on the Labubu box
  • Misaligned stitching or construction
  • Faded or missing Pop Mart stamp on the Labubu's right foot
  • Fewer or more than 9 teeth
  • The QR code on the box takes you to fake website instead of the official Pop Mart page
Daniel Gbenle
Sneaker Authenticator & Founder of Certisfied
1.) Barcode & QR code : Each toy comes with a Barcode on the Box, You can scan the Barcode which should take you to Pop Mart’s official website that should contain verifiable information of the Piece you have in hand. No or Broken links, or unrelated website are common red flags.

2.) Eye Test : Authentic Labubu eyes are made glossy and have a glass like finish that reflects natural lighting in its surrounding that makes them look lively. The eyes are also designed to show emotions i.e curiosity, happiness, mischief, and should not look emotionless. So a good test is to put it under natural light and tilt it slightly from left to right and the eyes should Pop and Feel alive.

3.) Collectors Card : Every Labubu piece comes with a Collectors Card, which should be thick, sturdy and should feel premium. Each collector card should match the figure of the Labubu in the box, from the pose, to costume and accessories which also makes the card look vibrant and full of color. A fake labubu piece, might not have the card or the pose, costume or accessories might be different.

4.) Height and Weight : An authentic Labubu piece should weigh about 0.2-0.3 pounds which is equivalent to holding a medium size apple or a standard chocolate bar, if it feels unusually heavy or as light as an empty can of soda then it is a red flag for a fake. On the other hand it should be as tall as the tip of your middle finger to your wrist, knockoffs usually are noticeably shorter.
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      References

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

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