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.”

👉 Buy Authentic Labubus At Side Kicks

📦 Check the Packaging and Labels

One of the first steps in performing a Labubu authentic check is to scrutinize the exterior. 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 Labubu boxes is crisp and clean, whereas counterfeit boxes might display blurry images or text.

• 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.

• 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.

• Desiccant Packet Check: Beyond the card, check the small moisture-absorbing packet (desiccant) inside the box. A real Labubu desiccant packet will have the POP MART logo printed clearly and darkly. Fakes often have packets with blurry, faded print or are missing this detail entirely.

• Misspelled or Off-Center Text: Check all logos and text on the box. The branding should be perfect – “POP MART” and “The Monsters” 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. This is a common way to spot a fake Labubu vs real one.

📱 Verify the QR Code Authenticity

POP MART uses a QR code system to help buyers verify products. Use this to your advantage to know how to know if Labubu is real:

• 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.

• Important Alert: The "Real Box, Fake Doll" Scam: While a valid scan is a great start, a clean QR code does not 100% guarantee your figure is real. Sophisticated counterfeiters are known to put a fake Labubu inside a real Labubu box (sometimes called "box-swapping") and reseal it. You must still perform the physical checks on the figure itself.

• Watch for Redirects or Errors: Be wary if the QR code leads to any website that isn’t an official Pop Mart domain. Genuine codes should take you straight to Pop Mart’s page without strange redirects or lag. A code that leads to a slow-loading or imitation site is a sign of a fake Labubu.

👀 Examine the Figure’s Appearance and Paint Details

By closely examining the figure itself – its sculpt and paint job – you can often spot a fake Lafufu and answer the question: What does a real Labubu look like?

• 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. On a real Labubu, each tooth is distinct and separated by small gaps.

• Facial Color and Blush: Authentic Labubu figures have a pale, peachy skintone. If the face looks too saturated (very pink, orange, or yellowish), that often signals a fake. The cheek “blush” on a real Labubu is usually softly airbrushed, giving a gentle rosy effect. Many counterfeits have harsh, heavy-handed blush that looks obviously different when comparing Labubu fake vs real.

• Eyes and Features: Authentic Labubu eyes are high quality, often glossy with clear details. Fake ones may have eyes that are just flat paint, lacking the shine or detail. The real Labubu should not have fully black, lifeless eyes.

• Black Light Test on the Nose: For an advanced check, shine a UV-A black light on the figure's nose. On a genuine Labubu, the paint on the nose may react and glow under the UV light, whereas the paint on a fake Labubu will show no reaction.

• Overall Paint Quality: 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.

🖐️ Feel the Material and Build Quality

Authenticity isn’t just about looks – texture and construction quality are big giveaways.

• 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.

• Surface Texture: Run a finger over the figure’s surface. Authentic Labubus typically have a consistent matte finish and no rough seams sticking out. Bootlegs might have rough edges, seam lines, or uneven textures.

• Plush/Furry Elements: A real Labubu plush will use soft, high-quality fur that’s securely attached and neatly sewn. By contrast, a fake plush Labubu might have coarse or cheap fur, visible stitches, or loose threads.

🦶 Look for Authentic Branding and Hidden Marks

Checking for these stamps and features can help confirm if your figure is pop mart real Labubu:

• Pop Mart Logo Stamp: Examine the bottom of the figure’s feet. Authentic Labubu figures usually have a POP MART logo and copyright info (often including the designer, Kasing Lung) embossed or printed on one foot. 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. 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. A missing stamp, the wrong image, or a sloppy blob instead of a clear shape could mean it’s a fake.

🛍️ Tips for Avoiding Fakes (Lafufus)

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

• Purchase from Official or Reputable Sources: Whenever possible, buy your Labubu figures directly from POP MART’s official stores or their verified partners. This is the best way how to know if a Labubu is real before you even buy it.

• Be Cautious with Online Marketplaces: If you resort to eBay, AliExpress, or other third-party marketplaces, research the seller. Avoid deals that are “too good to be true.”

• 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. This helps you check Labubu is real before committing.

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 your collection remains 100 percent authentic.