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Labubu, the mischievous bunny-eared star of POP MART's The Monsters series, is pure collector catnip. Unfortunately, it's also a top target for counterfeiters. Fans even joke about "Lafufu" knockoffs popping up everywhere. But don't let a fake sneak into your shelf space. With the right know-how, you can spot the differences in packaging, paint, material, and branding before you click "buy."
Here's your ultimate guide to separating authentic Labubus from the impostors.
Packaging: First Impressions Count
A genuine Labubu surprise box feels premium before you even open it. You should expect a matte finish, soft pastel artwork, and a perfectly aligned print. Also, a 3D holographic "POP MART" sticker with depth and shine, and often a QR code linking to POP MART's official site.
Crisp logos with zero typos and the correct collectible card and tag (older releases had white cloth tags; newer ones had white paper tags).
What's Fake
You know it is fake if you spot glossy, overly bright colors that feel cheap, hologram stickers that look flat or "squashed," misaligned text, spelling errors, missing inserts, or suspicious tag colors (like tan when it should be white).
Fakes can hide in reused genuine boxes, so always carefully check the seals, stickers, and inserts.
The Devil's in the Details
Labubu's charm is in its grin, colors, and sharp sculpting. The authentic look has exactly nine neatly painted teeth with apparent gaps.
Soft peach-toned face with a delicate airbrushed blush. Eyes with shine or even 3D depth, and clean sculpt lines on ears and hair tufts.
Counterfeit giveaways include fewer or fused teeth in a white paint blob. Harsh pink or orange faces, with blush painted as solid circles. Flat, dull black eyes without highlights or sloppy paint borders.
If you own a genuine Labubu, use it for side-by-side comparisons; tiny flaws jump out when you have the real deal.
Feel the Difference
Your fingers can tell you what your eyes might miss. Real Labubu feels solid vinyl with a balanced weight for its size. Smooth matte texture, clean seams, no extra plastic flash, and plush editions have soft, even stitching and no loose threads.
While the fake Labubus feel light and have hollow plastic that bends too easily, they also tend to feature rough seams, grainy patches, or mismatched gloss. On costume variants, they have poorly attached or coarse fur.
Some fakes are slightly shorter or taller than the official 4.5-inch standard, so if size feels "off," it probably is.
Branding and Secret Features
POP MART hides authenticity markers in plain sight. Look for a foot stamp with the "POP MART" logo and copyright information that looks sharp and deep, not shallow or blurry. For newer releases, UV-reactive designs have a glowing silhouette on the sole or fluorescent colors in the eyes and mouth under a UV flashlight.
QR codes that scan directly to popmart.com (watch for redirects to fake sites). Counterfeits usually skip these features or copy them poorly.
Smart Shopping Tips
Buy from official POP MART stores or trusted retailers whenever possible. If buying secondhand, ask for detailed photos that include teeth, feet, a QR code, and packaging. Most importantly, don't get baited by "too good to be true" prices. Bargains often mask fakes.
Check seller ratings, reviews, and feedback from other collectors. Post photos in POP MART or Labubu fan groups before buying, as seasoned collectors spot fakes in seconds.
Veteran collectors, for instance, swear by the tooth count, the peachy face tone, and the hologram sticker as instant authenticity checks. Others stress the foot stamp and UV marks, especially on newer releases. Many recommend constantly scanning the QR code before buying, as it's one of the fastest ways to catch a fake.
Labubu collecting should be pure joy, not a game of counterfeit roulette. Once you know the tells, you'll shop with confidence. Combine these checks with the wisdom of the collector community, and those "Lafufu" knockoffs won't stand a chance.