Want to know how to tell if a Labubu is real in 2025? Learn expert tips on how to check Labubu authenticity and avoid fakes with our complete guide.
If you’ve been anywhere near social media lately, you’ve probably come across the buzz surrounding Labubu dolls—those quirky, so-ugly-they’re-cute plush monster collectibles that have taken the world by storm. Designed by artist Kasing Lung and brought to life by Chinese toy powerhouse Pop Mart, Labubus have evolved into a cultural sensation. Fans eagerly collect these vinyl toys, share unboxing videos, and hunt for rare editions. But as their popularity skyrockets, so does the number of counterfeit Labubus, affectionately called Lafufus by the community.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about how to tell if a Labubu is real, covering everything from packaging nuances and QR code authentication to physical features and the latest UV light tests. Whether you’re a seasoned collector verifying your latest purchase or a curious buyer wanting to avoid scams, this article has got you covered.
The Phenomenon of Labubu: Pop Mart’s Viral Collectible Toy
Labubu dolls are not your average plush toys. These collectible figures are part of The Monsters series, a line inspired by Nordic folklore and created by the talented artist Kasing Lung. First launched in 2015, Labubu gained worldwide recognition after partnering with Pop Mart in 2019, quickly becoming a hit among vinyl toy enthusiasts.
Why Labubu Is More Than Just a Toy
The charm of Labubu lies in its unique blend of whimsical design and cultural storytelling. The monster’s “so-ugly-it’s-cute” aesthetic appeals to a broad audience, from casual fans to dedicated collectors. Pop Mart’s clever marketing strategies, including blind box releases and celebrity endorsements (think Dua Lipa and F1 movie stars flaunting their Labubus), have pushed this toy into the global spotlight.
In 2024 and 2025, Pop Mart’s revenue soared, with plush toy sales doubling and contributing significantly to its reported $1.81 billion in revenue. This incredible growth fuels new releases, collaborations, and expansions of The Monsters universe, ensuring that Labubu remains a trending collectible.
Added insight: Social media platforms like TikTok have become hubs for Labubu content, with hashtags exceeding 250 million views. Unboxing videos, collector reviews, and comparison posts flood feeds daily, creating a passionate community that thrives on sharing knowledge and discoveries.
The Counterfeit Crisis: Understanding Lafufu and Its Impact
With skyrocketing demand, counterfeit Labubus—commonly known as Lafufus—have flooded online marketplaces and local shops. These knockoff dolls often feature glaring imperfections such as uneven paint, poorly made teeth, misshapen ears, and inferior fur quality.
The Risks of Buying Fake Labubus
Counterfeit Labubus aren’t just a disappointment for collectors—they can be dangerous. Trading standards officers in places like North Ayrshire have seized large quantities of fake dolls that fail to meet safety standards, containing small detachable parts that pose choking hazards. These safety concerns make it even more vital to be able to distinguish a real Labubu from a fake.
Despite these risks, Lafufus have carved out a niche market due to their affordability and accessibility. Many fans appreciate their “quirky imperfections,” but it’s essential to be aware of the differences to avoid paying premium prices for fakes.
Additional context: Lafufu popularity has grown so much that online communities have even embraced these dolls, hosting swap meets and DIY customization contests that celebrate their unique flaws. However, most serious collectors aim to secure authentic Labubus for their quality, investment value, and safety.
Labubu vs Lafufu: Key Differences in Packaging and Presentation
Packaging: The First Clue
- Authentic Labubu boxes have a smooth, matte finish with muted colors, creating a subtle and elegant look.
- Fake boxes are often glossy, overly bright, and may feature textured surfaces.
- The recycling symbol on real boxes shows arrows with rounded corners; fakes usually display square corners.
- Real Labubus come with an identity card printed with pastel tones and a dark, clear Pop Mart logo, alongside a desiccant packet. Fakes may have blurry cards or none at all.
- Beware: Some counterfeiters put fake dolls inside authentic boxes, so don’t rely solely on packaging.
Updated for 2025: Pop Mart has introduced new anti-counterfeit holographic stickers on boxes, visible under certain lighting angles, adding an extra layer of security for collectors.
QR Code Verification: Scan for Authenticity
- Genuine Labubus include a sharp, in-focus QR code that directs you to Pop Mart’s official website (use fwsy.popmart.com to verify).
- Older editions might lack QR codes, so absence doesn’t immediately mean fake.
- Blurry or suspicious QR codes are a telltale sign of counterfeit products.
Tech tip: Some collectors use smartphone apps to scan and verify QR codes against Pop Mart’s database, providing instant confirmation or warnings.
The Devil Is in the Details: Physical Features to Verify Labubu Authenticity
Teeth Count and Quality
One of the easiest ways to check authenticity is by counting the teeth. Real Labubus have exactly nine triangular teeth, neatly painted and evenly spaced.
- Fakes might have too many or too few teeth.
- The paint on counterfeit teeth is often sloppy, connected without clear separation.
Collector advice: Using a magnifying glass helps detect subtle imperfections or paint irregularities that reveal fakes.
Facial Features and Expression
- Real Labubus boast a pale, peachy skin tone, while fakes lean toward unnatural pink, yellow, or orange hues.
- The blush on authentic dolls is soft and airbrushed; counterfeit blush appears harsh or circular.
- Eyes on real Labubus are glossy, embedded smoothly in vinyl, free of scratches or full black fills.
- The ears point slightly inward and sit close together, with a natural hairline placement.
- Fake dolls often have ears too far apart or hairlines that sit unnaturally high.
Blacklight Test
A blacklight or UV light is a powerful tool to authenticate newer Labubus:
- Shine it on the doll’s nose; genuine Labubu paint glows under UV light.
- Check the right foot for a UV-visible stamp silhouette of the Labubu figure (introduced in 2024).
Many collectors swear by this quick test as one of the most reliable for recent models.
Foot Details and Tags: Final Proof of Authenticity
- Authentic Labubus have a clear Pop Mart logo on the left foot, centered and sharply printed.
- The feet are made of soft, flexible vinyl matching the face’s material.
- Fakes tend to have hard, plasticky feet that feel oversized or cheap.
- Tags should feature the MONSTERS logo centered, with “THE MONSTERS” text on the top left of longer tags.
- Spelling mistakes, blurry printing, or incorrect logo placement are red flags.
In 2025, Pop Mart tags feature improved printing and UV-reactive ink, which further helps collectors differentiate real from fake.
How to Use Labubu Authentication Tools Effectively
QR Code Scanning: Use official Pop Mart verification sites like fwsy.popmart.com to scan QR codes and confirm your Labubu’s authenticity. Avoid third-party scanners that may not link to official data.
UV Light Test: Investing in a small UV flashlight can help spot the hidden UV stamp on the foot and check nose paint glow. This test is simple, non-invasive, and quick, making it ideal for buyers and collectors.
Physical Inspection: In addition to digital tools, always inspect your Labubu’s fur quality, stitching, and weight. Genuine dolls have soft, fluffy fur and seamless craftsmanship.
Smart Buying Tips: Where and How to Purchase Authentic Labubus
- Pop Mart’s official website and physical stores remain the most reliable sources. New stock drops online on Thursdays at 9 PM EST and in-store Fridays at 10 AM.
- Consider certified resellers like StockX, which verify authenticity before selling.
- Avoid deals that seem “too good to be true.” If the price is suspiciously low, it likely is fake.
- For secondhand purchases, always ask for receipts, seller reviews, and detailed photos.
- If you’re in the UK or looking for trusted online stores, check out this detailed guide on where to buy Labubu dolls in the UK—the best online stores for vetted sellers and tips to secure authentic Labubus with confidence.
Pop Mart’s growing global presence means more physical locations and easier access for collectors in Europe, the US, and beyond.
What to Do If You End Up with a Fake Labubu
If you suspect your Labubu is counterfeit:
- Contact the seller to request a refund or exchange.
- Use payment dispute services like PayPal chargebacks or credit card protections to contest fraudulent purchases.
- Report counterfeit sellers to online marketplaces.
- Stay informed by following Pop Mart’s official channels and trusted collector forums.
Consumer protection agencies have recently issued warnings about Labubu counterfeits, encouraging buyers to be vigilant and report fakes.
Lafufu vs Labubu: The Curious Case of Fake Fans
Some collectors actually embrace Lafufus for their affordability and “unique charm.” These fakes often have silly defects—like lopsided faces or missing hands—that many find endearing.
If you choose to buy a Lafufu:
- Be realistic about quality and durability.
- Purchase from platforms known for budget-friendly options like eBay or AliExpress.
- Never pay a premium price for a fake claiming to be real.
- Consider customizing your Lafufu to give it a personal touch.
Lafufu communities and online swap meets have become popular, celebrating these imperfect “counterfeit” dolls in a fun, lighthearted way.
Labubu Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do you know if a Labubu is fake?
A: Look closely at packaging, QR codes, teeth count, paint quality, foot stamps, and tags.
Q: Do all Labubus have QR codes?
A: No. Older models may lack QR codes; newer ones include them for easy authentication.
Q: What’s the difference between Labubu and Lafufu?
A: Labubu is the official Pop Mart collectible; Lafufu is the counterfeit version.
Q: How to use a UV light to check Labubu?
A: Shine it on the right foot to reveal the hidden silhouette and on the nose to see paint glow.
Q: What is a Labubu blind box?
A: A sealed box containing a random Labubu figure, encouraging collectors to purchase multiple boxes to complete sets.
Conclusion: Protect Your Labubu Collection with Confidence in 2025
Labubus have become more than just toys—they’re a global phenomenon fueled by social media trends, celebrity endorsements, and passionate communities. But the rising tide of counterfeit dolls means collectors need to stay vigilant.
This guide arms you with detailed knowledge and tools to spot fake Labubus and ensure your collection is authentic. Stick to trusted sellers, use authentication tools like QR codes and UV light tests, and always examine physical features carefully.
Protect your investment, avoid disappointment, and enjoy the thrill of collecting genuine Labubus, the true stars of Pop Mart’s collectible universe.
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