How to Tell if Labubu Is Real: A Complete Guide
In the world of collectible toys, Labubu stands out as a quirky, lovable figure adored by fans across the globe. But as its popularity grows, so does the flood of imitations, making it harder for collectors to know how to tell if Labubu is real.
From fake packaging to flawed figures, spotting the difference between a real vs fake Labubu is now more important than ever. Whether you're new to the scene or a longtime enthusiast, learning the signs of a Fake Labubu can save you time, money, and frustration. This guide will walk you through every detail of Labubu authenticity, ensuring your next Labubu collectible is 100% genuine.
1. What Is Labubu and Why It’s So Popular
Labubu is more than just a toy. It’s a unique character made by artist Kasing Lung and produced by Pop Mart, a famous designer toy company from China. Labubu has become one of the most sought-after figures in the collectible toy scene. Its charm lies in the strange yet lovable face, wild hair, and sharp nine teeth / 9 daggers that make it instantly recognizable.
In the USA, the toy became a hit through TikTok unboxings, fashion collaborations, and collector groups. Series like Have A Seat and Exciting Macaron series are sold in surprise “blind boxes.” You don’t know which design you’ll get until you open the box. This mystery adds fun, but it also makes it easier for fakes to slip through. As Labubu’s fame grows, so does the number of Fake Labubu dolls in the market.
2. Common Signs of Fake Labubu Toys
A Fake Labubu might look real from far away. But up close, there are clear signs. The first giveaway is bad quality. Real ones have smooth paint and clean lines. Fakes often have sloppy colors, wrong shapes, or even a different face.
Another red flag is the matte packaging finish. Authentic boxes feel smooth but solid, while fakes use thin, shiny, or wrinkled cardboard. Also, Labubu face color is important. The real ones have soft, clear tones. Fakes may look too dark or too bright. Count the teeth—nine teeth / 9 daggers should be sharp and well-shaped. A fake might miss a tooth or have uneven spacing.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Real Labubu | Fake Labubu |
|---|---|---|
| Teeth Count | 9 evenly spaced sharp teeth | 8, 10 or uneven daggers |
| Face Color | Soft, neutral tone | Oversaturated or faded |
| Packaging Material | Thick, smooth, matte packaging finish | Glossy or wrinkled surface |
| Foot Stamp | Clear logo and date | Missing or misspelled stamp |
| Paint Lines | Crisp and neat | Bleeding colors or smudges |
3. Check the Packaging Details
When checking how to tell if Labubu is real, always start with the box. Authentic Pop Mart Labubu doll boxes come with a signature QR code scan and brand seals. The box is usually sealed tightly and never reused. If you get a box that looks opened or resealed with tape, that’s a problem.
Real packaging also includes a muted box color scheme with clear design art. Many fakes mess up the color contrast or skip the Pop Mart branding completely. Look under the box for a QR code verification Pop Mart logo. Use your phone to scan the code—it should take you directly to the Pop Mart official store website or validation portal. If the code doesn’t scan or leads to a random page, you’ve likely got a Fake Labubu.
4. Examine the Labubu Figure Closely
Real Labubu collectibles have perfect shape and high-level craftsmanship. You’ll notice smooth edges, detailed hair, and strong plastic. Hold it in your hand—it should feel heavy and solid, not cheap and hollow. Labubu teeth count is always nine. They should be sharp and well-placed, not crooked or chipped.
Next, check the eyes and nose. The expression on a real Labubu is very clear, sometimes sneaky or silly, but never off-center. Also, look at the joints. A fake toy may have stiff arms or none at all. Paint on a genuine Labubu doll verification should be clean and never runny. Try looking under a UV lighting verification device; some real toys include hidden stamps you can only see this way.
5. Inspect the Feet: Authenticity Marks Often Hidden Here
Many collectors don’t know this, but the best clue is at the bottom. Flip your figure over and check the feet. Every real Labubu has a unique foot stamp with Pop Mart's logo, copyright year, and sometimes a series code. Some have a hidden code or artist initials.
If the foot stamp is missing, rubbed off, or looks weird, it’s almost always fake. Labubu UV stamp may also be used in newer series, which can be seen with special light. The shape of the foot also matters—real ones have a neat curve and can stand up straight. Fakes often wobble or fall because of uneven feet or wrong base shape.
6. Differences Between Real Labubu and “Lafufu” Fakes
The word Lafufu is often used in the toy world to describe knockoffs pretending to be Labubu. These bootlegs flood platforms like Amazon, eBay, or shady Instagram shops. They look similar from a distance but are totally different up close. Think of Lafufu as the “evil twin” version of Labubu—close but clearly wrong.
Most Lafufu toys miss small details like ear shape or fur texture. Their packaging is usually copied from older series or made up completely. While a real Pop Mart Labubu doll has emotion and soul, a Lafufu feels flat and stiff. They don’t come with a QR code scan, and their feet often have no foot stamp at all. This is why learning real vs fake Labubu is so important for U.S. collectors today.
7. Where to Buy Real Labubu Toys Safely
To avoid scams, always shop from trusted places. The safest way is to order directly from the Pop Mart official store or from zylo industry, Hot Topic, or official Pop Mart USA events. If you're on Amazon, make sure it’s sold by Pop Mart directly—not third-party sellers.
For resale markets, try StockX Labubu verification. They offer expert checks to make sure what you’re buying is real. However, always be careful with eBay, Etsy, or social media. Too many scams happen there. Read reviews, ask for packaging photos, and compare with this Labubu identification guide before spending your money. Don't trust pages that sell for “too good to be true” prices—that’s a classic reseller warning.
8. Labubu Series to Know (And Spot Fakes Of)
Some series are more popular than others and are often copied. The most faked ones include the Have A Seat series, the Exciting Macaron series, and the Coca-Cola collaboration. These sets include special props, poses, and limited-edition packaging.
Fakes tend to combine parts from different series or skip small details. A real figure from the Exciting Macaron series will have perfect paint, matching props, and the right facial tone. A fake may be too bright, with missing items or wrong expressions. Use this table to compare:
| Series Name | Key Features | Common Fakes Look Like |
|---|---|---|
| Have A Seat | Sitting poses, chairs, perfect balance | Toys that can't sit or tip over |
| Exciting Macaron | Pastel colors, food props, clear stamp | Colors too bright, props missing |
| Coca-Cola Collab | Red packaging, Coke accessories, pop art eyes | Wrong branding or color tones |
9. Popularity and Market Impact of Labubu
In the U.S., Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s part of a movement. With roots in designer vinyl toys, Labubu has taken over sneaker events, streetwear drops, and even home décor. Social media helped it spread like wildfire. Now, you’ll find Labubu collectors in cities like LA, New York, and Chicago.
Resale value has shot up too. Rare figures from early series sell for over $200 on platforms like StockX. Some fans trade full sets or create display walls at home. It’s not just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. That’s why learning how to tell if Labubu is real isn’t just smart. It’s essential to protect your passion and wallet.
10. Final Checklist for Labubu Authentication
Here’s a final checklist to confirm your Labubu doll verification step-by-step:
| Checkpoint | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Muted box colors, thick material |
| Branding | Clear Pop Mart logo and seals |
| QR Code | Scan to verify on Pop Mart's website |
| Paint Job | Clean, no smudges |
| Teeth Count | Always nine teeth / 9 daggers |
| Foot Stamp | Pop Mart year + artist initials |
| UV Stamp | Glows under UV lighting verification |
| Purchase Source | Trusted store or StockX verification |
Trust your eyes, trust the details, and when in doubt, check again. With this full Labubu collectors guide, you now know exactly how to tell if Labubu is real. Keep your collection authentic, your wallet safe, and your toys true.
FAQs
How to check if Labubu is a real QR code?
Scan the QR code on the box using your phone—it should lead directly to Pop Mart’s official website or verification page.
How to find authentic Labubu?
Buy only from trusted sources like the Pop Mart official store, StockX, or verified retailers; check for proper packaging, foot stamp, and nine teeth.
How do I know my official Labubu?
An official Labubu has clean paint, a foot stamp, a working QR code, correct packaging, and exactly nine sharp teeth.
How many teeth does a fake Labubu have?
Most fake Labubus have the wrong count—either 8, 10, or uneven daggers, which is a common sign of a replica.
What if my Labubu has 8 teeth?
If your Labubu has only 8 teeth, it's likely a Fake Labubu, as genuine figures always have exactly nine teeth.