Fake or authentic? Here’s how to know if your Labubu is the real deal
Pop Mart’s cute designer figures have become a vital sensation but their popularity has seen the market flooded with counterfeits.
Labubu dolls, the mischievous-looking monster elf figurines created by Kasing Lung for Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, are the must-have accessory. They’ve been all over TikTok for the past couple of years - in fact the social media platform helped to spread the toys’ popularity outside of their native China.
Labubu mania
With their jagged toothy grin and wide-eyed stare, it’s easy to see why these strange furry creatures became a cult classic. Kind of cute, but definitely not kawaii, Labubu figures are a little bit weird and sinister. Some of the limited edition dolls have become highly sought after, fetching huge sums at auction.
There are currently 300 different Labubu figurines on market, ranging in size and price. However, they are not cheap - the dungarees-clad Time to Chill-Vinyl Plush Doll will set you back around $70 in the United States.
Everyone wants a Labubu and due to their popularity, the market has been flooded with fake counterfeit copies. Pop Mart has gone to great lengths to highlight the differences between the fake Labubus and the real thing. Here are the signs to look out for to make sure you are getting an authentic, certified Labubu when buying one.
Labubu: how to spot the fakes
Check the box
- Be aware that fraudsters have started packaging fake Labubus in genuine POP MART boxes, sometimes with real QR stickers.
Scan the QR code
- Legitimate Labubu dolls come with a card and a QR code. Look at the quality of the QR code - the black counter pattern should be clean and sharp and not with blurred or jagged edges.
Scanning the QR will take you directly to Pop Mart's official authentication sites (fwsy.popmart.com or m-gss.popmart.com). Fake QR codes will redirect you to a dead-end website or keep you waiting as it tries to process the command.
Colors and Tags
- Fake Labubus sometimes have vibrant, saturated colors, like a banana-yellow foil. Closely check the tags - the MONSTERS logo should be centered, with THE MONSTERS text on the top left of longer tags.
Physical attributes
- Labubu should have exactly nine, perfectly aligned teeth. Uneven or misaligned teeth paint is a sign that your doll is a fake. Some counterfeits have ears that are spaced too far apart or a hairline set too high. Authentic Labubus have a pale, peachy color skin tone - pink or yellow tones often signal a fake.
- Legitimate Labubu plush dolls should be soft and fluffy to touch with seamless stitching. Fake ones feel rough, look cheap with visible stitching.
UV Stamp
- Newer editions (from 2024) feature a UV-reactive stamp on the figure's right foot, the UV stamp should depict the classic Labubu silhouette sitting with legs out and arms raised.
Where can I buy an authentic Labubu?
To be absolutely sure you are getting the real deal and not a fake, head directly to Pop Mart’s flagship stores or the official online shop. The company has over 500 stores in over 30 countries and regions, plus than 2,300 Robo-shops - automated vending machines which can be found in shopping malls.
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