How to Tell if a POP MART Labubu Figure is Real or Fake (Authentic vs “Lafufu”)

Collectors around the world have fallen in love with POP MART Labubu, those mischievous little monster figures with big grins and nine sharp teeth. Unfortunately, Labubu’s popularity has led to a wave of counterfeit Labubu toys (often nicknamed “Lafufu” toys by fans) flooding the market. Knowing how to spot a real vs fake Labubu is crucial for collectors. In this guide, we’ll cover general tips (applicable to any Labubu model) to help you verify authenticity. From packaging and paint quality to texture and branding, here’s how to tell if your Labubu is authentic or a “Lafufu.”

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Check the Packaging and Labels

Authentic POP MART Labubu figures come in high-quality packaging that differs noticeably from fakes. Start by examining the box closely:

• Finish and Colors: A real Labubu box has a matte finish and smooth feel, with relatively muted or pastel colors in the printing. In contrast, fake packaging is often glossy or shiny, with overly bright colors and sometimes a rough or textured feel. Printing on genuine boxes is crisp and clean, whereas counterfeit boxes might display blurry images or text. Even small details can give clues – for example, the tiny trashcan/recycling icon on an authentic box has a rounded arrow, while on some fakes this arrow’s corners are squared off.

• Hologram Sticker: Most official Labubu boxes feature a holographic POP MART sticker (often with a QR code) as a seal of authenticity. On a genuine product, this hologram sticker is high quality – the “POP MART” text is neatly printed with a subtle 3D/holographic effect. On a fake, the hologram may look cheap: the lettering can appear flat or “squashed” with no depth or shine.

• Included Card and Tags: Authentic Labubu blind boxes include a collectible character card inside, and newer releases often have a tag or card with a QR code for verification. If your figure lacks the expected card or insert, be cautious. However, note that clever scammers sometimes reuse real boxes and cards for fakes. This means that packaging alone isn’t 100% proof of authenticity – you’ll need to inspect other factors too.

• Misspelled or Off-Center Text: Check all logos and text on the box. The branding should be perfect – “POP MART” and “The Monsters” (Labubu’s series name) should be spelled correctly and well-aligned. If you see typos, misaligned logos, or poor print quality, that’s a red flag of a counterfeit. Authentic tags for Labubu (on plush or keychain versions) also have correct formatting – for example, the Monsters logo should be centered on the tag.

Verify the QR Code Authenticity

POP MART uses a QR code system to help buyers verify products, so use this to your advantage:

• Scan the Code: Using your phone, scan the QR code found on the box or hang tag of the Labubu. A legitimate Labubu’s QR code will direct you to Pop Mart’s official verification page. If scanning the code immediately brings up Pop Mart’s site confirming authenticity, that’s a good sign.

• Watch for Redirects or Errors: Be wary if the QR code leads to any website that isn’t an official Pop Mart domain, or if it produces an error. Some counterfeiters create fake QR codes that redirect to imitation sites or unexpected webpages. A trick to watch for: if the QR initially opens a blank or odd page and then after a delay redirects to the real Pop Mart site, the code may be fraudulent. Genuine codes should take you straight to Pop Mart’s page without strange redirects or lag.

• Clarity of the Code: Look at the QR sticker’s quality. On real boxes, the QR code printing is sharp and crisp. On fakes, the code may appear blurred or pixelated, indicating lower print quality. If a code is too blurry to scan properly, that’s suspect. Also, some older authentic Labubu releases (especially prior to 2023) did not use QR codes at all. So if your Labubu lacks a QR code but is an older series, that might be normal – you’ll need to rely on other signs of authenticity in that case.

Examine the Figure’s Appearance and Paint Details

The Labubu character has some very consistent design features. By closely examining the figure itself – its sculpt and paint job – you can often spot a fake Lafufu. Here are the key details to check on your Labubu figure:

• Teeth Count and Shape: Labubu is known for its toothy grin – authentic figures always have exactly nine teeth in the mouth. Count them: if you see more or fewer than nine, you’ve got a fake. Counterfeits sometimes mess this up or paint the teeth poorly. On a real Labubu, each tooth is distinct and separated by small gaps. Fakes might have fewer teeth or even have the teeth paint run together in a blob with no defined gaps. Uneven, misaligned, or sloppy tooth paint is a red flag.

• Facial Color and Blush: Look at Labubu’s overall face color. Authentic Labubu figures have a pale, peachy skintone on the face. If the face looks too saturated – for example, a very pink, orange, or yellowish tone – that often signals a fake repaint or low-quality materials. Legitimate Pop Mart paint apps are subtle. The cheek “blush” on a real Labubu is usually softly airbrushed onto the cheeks, giving a gentle diffuse rosy effect. In contrast, many counterfeits have harsh, heavy-handed blush (bright circular spots or darker patches) that looks obviously different.

• Eyes and Features: Authentic Labubu eyes are high quality – often they are glossy with clear details, like well-defined irises or highlights. The eyes might even be separate pieces embedded in the vinyl for a 3D look on some figures. Fake ones may have eyes that are just flat paint, lacking the shine or detail. Watch out for eyes that are just solid black or missing the little white gleam/reflection – the real Labubu should not have fully black, lifeless eyes. Also check for any scratches or paint bleeding around the eyes; authentic figures have clean edges, whereas fakes might have messy outlines or cheap paint that easily scratches off.

• Ears and Hairline: Subtle sculpt proportions are another clue. Labubu’s ears and hair tuft are carefully positioned on real figures. On some fakes, the ears might be set a bit too far apart, or the forehead “hairline” (where the face meets any fuzzy hair or the top of the head) is positioned too high or receding unnaturally. If the figure’s face shape or ear placement looks noticeably off compared to known genuine Labubu designs, you may have a counterfeit.

• Overall Paint Quality: Take a general look at all painted details. Official Pop Mart figures are precision-painted, with crisp lines and accurate details. If you notice sloppy painting – like color bleeding outside the lines, misprinted patterns, or details that look “muddy” – that’s a bad sign. High-quality products shouldn’t have significant paint errors. Of course, even authentic toys can have the occasional minor factory paint flaw, but a fake will often have multiple obvious paint issues or a less polished finish overall.

Feel the Material and Build Quality

Authenticity isn’t just about looks – texture and construction quality are big giveaways. When you handle the figure (or plush), pay attention to how it feels:

• Vinyl Figure Quality: Real POP MART Labubu figures are made of sturdy, smooth vinyl. The figure should feel solid and well-made, with a bit of heft for its size. Counterfeits often use cheaper plastic that can feel light or brittle. If your Labubu feels especially flimsy or hollow, that’s a concern. Also check any joint or movable part: on genuine figures, parts that are meant to move (like a rotating head or arms on some models) should move smoothly. A fake might have parts glued or poorly jointed.

• Surface Texture: Run a finger over the figure’s surface. Authentic Labubus typically have a consistent matte finish (unless the design intentionally has glossy sections) and no rough seams sticking out. Bootlegs might have rough edges, seam lines, or uneven textures from lower quality molds. Any significant seam or plastic flash that looks unprofessional could indicate a fake.

• Plush/Furry Elements: Some Labubu releases (like plush dolls or figures with furry costumes) include fabric or fur. Examine these materials closely. A real Labubu plush will use soft, high-quality plush fur that’s securely attached and neatly sewn. The stitching on genuine items is tight and seamless, often blending the fur nicely into any vinyl parts like the face. By contrast, a fake plush Labubu might have coarse or cheap fur that feels rough. You might see visible stitches or even loose threads on a counterfeit – the workmanship just isn’t as good. If the toy has clothing or accessories, check their quality too – official items are well-finished, whereas fakes may have mis-sewn clothing or low-detail accessories.

Look for Authentic Branding and Hidden Marks

POP MART includes branding and security features on their Labubu toys. Checking for these can help confirm if your figure is real:

• Pop Mart Logo Stamp: Examine the bottom of the figure’s feet (or the base of the figure). Authentic Labubu figures usually have a POP MART logo and copyright info embossed or printed on one foot. This marking might include the year and the series name or designer’s name. Make sure the logo is clear and spelled correctly. If you see no logo at all, or a blurry imprint, that’s suspicious.

• Hidden UV Foot Stamp: Starting with releases in late 2023 and beyond, Pop Mart introduced a hidden UV-reactive stamp on Labubu’s right foot as an extra authenticity measure. If you shine a UV light on the bottom of a newer Labubu figure’s right foot, you should see a small silhouette image appear. The design of this UV stamp usually corresponds to the series or pose of that Labubu. If your figure is supposed to be from a series that uses UV stamps, check that the correct silhouette appears under UV. A missing stamp, the wrong image, or any sloppy blob instead of a clear shape could mean it’s a fake.

• Quality of Engravings/Prints: Aside from the main logo, look for any other markings such as series name, artist (Labubu was created by artist Kasing Lung), or the figure’s name on packaging inserts. Authentic items have all branding elements consistent and high-resolution. If the printing on the foot stamp or tag looks cheap, that might be a sign of a counterfeit.

• Collector Card Consistency: If your Labubu came with a collector card, examine that too. Authentic cards are well-printed on nice cardstock with correct artwork for the series. Fake ones might have lower quality printing or even mistakes in the character design.

Tips for Avoiding Fakes (Lafufus)

Sometimes the best way to ensure you have a real Labubu is to buy smart in the first place:

• Purchase from Official or Reputable Sources: Whenever possible, buy your Labubu figures directly from POP MART’s official stores or their verified partners. These sources dramatically reduce the risk of fakes.

• Be Cautious with Online Marketplaces: If you resort to eBay, AliExpress, Facebook groups, or other third-party marketplaces, research the seller. Avoid deals that are “too good to be true.” Conversely, don’t assume a high price means it’s real. Always verify using the tips above.

• Ask for Proof of Authenticity: For second-hand buys, ask the seller for close-up photos of the teeth, face, bottom of the feet, box, and QR code. Ask for receipts or confirmations if possible.

• Join Collector Communities: The Labubu collector community can be very helpful. Enthusiasts often share the latest info on how to spot fakes and can help you vet a figure if you post photos.

In summary, staying vigilant is key. Check everything – the packaging, codes, physical details, and branding – because an authentic Labubu will consistently pass all these tests. A counterfeit Lafufu, on the other hand, will typically slip up in one or more areas. By using the tips above, you can confidently tell if your Labubu is real or fake and ensure that your collection remains 100 percent authentic.