Have you ever scrolled through a shopping app, seen a deal on a Labubu that looks too good to pass up, and wondered if it was the real deal? You are definitely not alone. Labubu has become a global sensation, with fans like Blackpink’s Lisa bringing these “cute-ugly” monsters into the spotlight. Because everyone wants one, the market is unfortunately flooded with fakes, often called “Lafufus.”
Distinguishing a fake Labubu vs real isn’t just about saving money; it’s about ensuring you have a high-quality piece of art created by Kasing Lung. Authentic figures are made with love and precision, while fakes are often made with cheap materials that don’t last. In this guide, I will walk you through the secret signs that only expert collectors know so you can shop with total confidence.
The Magic Number: Counting the Teeth
One of the easiest ways to identify a fake Labubu vs real is to look right at its mouth. Every authentic Labubu has exactly nine pointy teeth. If you see seven, eight, or ten teeth, you are definitely looking at a counterfeit.
It is not just about the number, though. On a real figure, the teeth are sharp, distinct, and have tiny gaps between them. Fakes often have “blobby” teeth that look like they are melting together. The blue line around the mouth on a genuine piece is also very clean, while fakes often have messy paint that spills over.
The Box Finish: Matte vs. Glossy
When you first hold the box, pay attention to how it feels. Pop Mart uses a premium, matte finish for their packaging. It feels smooth and slightly soft to the touch. The colors are usually a bit more pastel and muted, which gives it a high-end look.
In contrast, a fake Labubu vs real comparison often reveals that fake boxes are very shiny or glossy. The colors on fake boxes are usually too bright or “neon,” and the cardboard feels thin and flimsy. If the box looks like it was printed on a cheap home printer, it probably was!
The Secret UV Light Test
If you want to feel like a real detective, grab a small UV (black light) flashlight. This is a pro-tip that many casual collectors don’t know about. On many authentic Labubu models, the paint on the nose will actually glow under UV light!
Fake manufacturers usually don’t spend the extra money on special UV-reactive paint. When you shine the light on a fake, the nose stays dull. Also, check the bottom of the feet. Real ones sometimes have a hidden silhouette or logo that only appears under black light.
Scanning the QR Code
Most new Labubu releases come with a holographic sticker on the back of the box. This sticker has a QR code that you can scan with your phone. A real code will take you directly to the official Pop Mart authentication website (usually fwsy.popmart.com).
When checking a fake Labubu vs real, scammers sometimes use fake QR codes. These might lead to a website that looks like Pop Mart but has a strange web address. Always double-check the URL in your browser. If there is no sticker at all, that is a massive red flag.
Feeling the Fur Quality
If you are buying one of the plush versions, like the famous Macaron series, use your sense of touch. Authentic Labubus are famous for their incredibly soft, fluffy fur. It feels premium, like a high-quality stuffed animal you’d find in a luxury toy store.
A fake Labubu vs real test will show that “Lafufus” often use coarse, scratchy fur. The stitching on fakes is also very obvious. You might see loose threads or even glue leaking out where the fur meets the vinyl face. A real one will have seamless, clean edges.
The Eyes Tell the Story
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and that is true for Labubu! A genuine figure has glossy, deep eyes that reflect light beautifully. They are designed to look lively, showing emotions like mischief or curiosity.
Fake Labubus often have flat, “dead” eyes. They might be made of cheap plastic that doesn’t shine, or they might even be painted on. If the eyes look emotionless or are positioned crookedly, it’s a sign that the quality control of a real Pop Mart factory was missing.
Weight and Material Density
Pop Mart uses high-quality vinyl that has a nice “heft” to it. When you hold a real Labubu in your hand, it feels solid and well-balanced. It doesn’t feel like it’s empty on the inside.
Fakes are often made of cheap, hollow plastic to save on shipping costs. If the toy feels surprisingly light or “crunchy” when you squeeze it, it’s likely a counterfeit. Real vinyl has a bit of a soft “give” but stays very firm.
Examining the Collector Card
Inside every blind box is a small card that shows which character you got. On a real card, the printing is crystal clear, and the colors match the toy perfectly. The card is usually made of thick, sturdy paper.
In the fake Labubu vs real battle, the fake cards are often a dead giveaway. They might be blurry, have typos, or be printed on thin paper that bends easily. Sometimes the colors on the card don’t even match the actual toy inside!
Checking the Feet Logos
Always flip your monster over and look at the bottom of the left foot. A real Labubu will have the “Pop Mart” logo embossed or printed clearly. The letters should be sharp and easy to read.
On a fake, the logo is often messy. The letters might be squashed together, or the logo might be missing entirely. Some fakes even have the logo on the wrong foot! It’s these small details that help you tell a fake Labubu vs real.
The Price Point Trap
We all love a bargain, but with Labubu, the price is a huge hint. As of 2026, standard blind boxes usually retail between $35 and $60. If you see a “New in Box” Labubu for $10 on a random website, it is almost certainly a fake.
Collectors are willing to pay a lot for these, so if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always check the seller’s reputation and look for “Verified” badges on marketplaces to avoid getting a “Lafufu” by mistake
Conclusion
Spotting a fake Labubu vs real is all about being observant. By checking the nine teeth, scanning the QR code, and feeling the quality of the fur, you can protect yourself from scammers. Remember, a real Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s a piece of art that holds its value over time.
If you are ever in doubt, the best way to stay safe is to buy directly from Pop Mart stores or authorized retailers. Happy hunting, and may you find that “Secret” chase figure you’ve been dreaming of!
FAQs
Q1: Do all real Labubus have 9 teeth? Yes! One of the most consistent features of an authentic Labubu is the nine pointy teeth. If you count more or less, it is a fake.
Q2: Can I find a real Labubu on sites like Temu or AliExpress? While some authorized resellers exist, these sites are famous for hosting “Lafufu” fakes. It is much safer to buy from Pop Mart’s official website or app.
Q3: Why does my Labubu smell like plastic? New vinyl can sometimes have a faint “new toy” smell, but it should not be overwhelming. Fakes often use low-grade plastic that has a very strong, chemical odor.
Q4: Is the QR code the only way to verify? No, because some older models didn’t have QR codes. You should use a combination of the UV light test, teeth count, and fur texture to be 100% sure.
Q5: What is a “Lafufu”? “Lafufu” is a funny nickname the collector community uses for fake Labubus. They might look similar at first glance, but they lack the quality of the original.
Q6: Does the packaging always have a holographic sticker? Most modern releases from Pop Mart include a holographic sticker with a scratch-off area for the security code. If the box is missing this, proceed with extreme caution.
References:
- Lung, K. (2026). The Monsters: Art and Evolution. Pop Mart Publishing.
- Pop Mart International. (2026). Official Authentication Guide for Collectors.
- Gbenle, D. (2025). Product Authentication in the Designer Toy Market.
