Have you ever seen a cute, toothy monster hanging from someone’s bag and thought, “I need one of those!”? That little guy is Labubu, the famous star of “The Monsters” series. Because Labubu is so popular right now, many people are making fake Labubu toys to trick buyers (ACCC Product Safety, 2025). These “Lafufus” might look okay from far away, but they can be a waste of money or even unsafe for kids.
As a collector, there is nothing worse than opening a box and realizing you have a counterfeit. In this guide, I will show you exactly how to tell if your Labubu is real. We will look at everything from the box colors to the number of teeth. By the time you finish reading, you will be an expert at spotting a fake Labubu from a mile away!
Who is the Creator of Labubu?
Before we dive into the details of the toys, let’s talk about where Labubu came from. Labubu was created by a talented artist named Kasing Lung. He was born in Hong Kong and grew up in the Netherlands, where he loved reading old stories about monsters and forest spirits (Kasing Lung Biography, 2020).
In 2015, he started “The Monsters” series, and Labubu became the biggest star! Lung eventually partnered with Pop Mart, which helped make Labubu a global sensation. Knowing the history of the artist helps you appreciate why authentic pieces are so special compared to a cheap fake Labubu.
Kasing Lung Biography & Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Kasing Lung |
| Birth Year | 1972 |
| Birthplace | Hong Kong (raised in the Netherlands) |
| Famous Creation | Labubu & The Monsters |
| Major Partner | Pop Mart (Exclusive license since 2019) |
| Art Style | Nordic folklore mixed with whimsical monsters |
Why People Make Fake Labubu Toys
You might wonder why there are so many fakes out there. The answer is simple: Labubu is incredibly famous! When something becomes a “must-have” item, scammers see a chance to make quick cash. They use cheaper materials and messy machines to copy the design. While a real Labubu is made with care, a fake Labubu is just a low-quality imitation (SNKRDUNK Magazine, 2024).
Buying a fake doesn’t just hurt the artist; it can also be risky. Some counterfeit toys use bad paints or have small parts that fall off easily. This is why sticking to the real deal is always the best choice for your health and your wallet.
Check the Box Finish and Colors
The first step in your investigation starts before you even open the toy. Look closely at the packaging. A real Pop Mart box has a matte finish. This means it isn’t very shiny and feels smooth to the touch. The colors on a real box are usually soft and “muted,” like pastel colors (wikiHow, n.d.).
A fake Labubu box is often very glossy or shiny. The colors might look too bright or “neon” because the printers used were not high-quality. If the box looks like it’s reflecting too much light, that is a huge red flag!
The Secret of the Trash Can Symbol
Did you know there is a tiny secret on the bottom of the box? Look for the small “trash can” symbol (the one that tells you to recycle). On a real box, the arrow in that symbol has rounded corners. It looks soft and curved (SNKRDUNK Magazine, 2024).
On a fake Labubu box, that same arrow often has sharp, square corners. It’s a very small detail that scammers almost always miss! Checking this tiny icon is one of the fastest ways to see if the packaging is authentic.
Scan the QR Code for Instant Proof
Most new Labubu toys come with a special holographic sticker on the box. This sticker has a QR code that you can scan with your phone. When you scan it, it should take you to the official Pop Mart website (m-gss.popmart.com) and show you a “Success” message (Pop Mart Official, n.d.).
A fake Labubu might not have a QR code at all. Sometimes, they do have a code, but it takes you to a weird website that looks like Pop Mart but has a different URL. Always check the web address carefully after you scan it!
Count the Teeth: The Number 9 Rule
Labubu is famous for its big, mischievous grin. But did you know there is a specific number of teeth? An authentic Labubu figure always has exactly 9 teeth (wikiHow, n.d.). Go ahead and count them—1, 2, 3… all the way to 9.
If you find a figure with 8 teeth or 10 teeth, it is definitely a fake Labubu. Also, look at how the teeth are painted. On real toys, the teeth are sharp and have tiny gaps between them. Fakes often have messy paint that makes the teeth look like one big white block.
Look at the Eyes and Face Color
The “skin” of a real Labubu’s face is a soft, pale peachy color. The eyes should look glossy and “alive,” like they are made of glass (wikiHow, n.d.). They reflect light in a way that makes the character look like it has a real personality.
On a fake Labubu, the face might look very orange or pink. The eyes often look flat and “dead” because they are just painted on or made of cheap plastic. If the face looks too bright or the eyes don’t shine, it’s probably a counterfeit.
The Black Light Nose Test
If you want to be a real detective, you can use a black light (UV light). When you shine a black light on a real Labubu’s nose, the paint will actually glow! It is a special security feature that Pop Mart uses to stop scammers (Side Kicks, 2025).
Most makers of a fake Labubu won’t spend the extra money on this special glowing paint. If you shine the light and the nose stays dark and boring, you are likely looking at a fake. This is a fun and easy way to be 100% sure about your toy.
Feel the Fur and Material Quality
If you are buying a plush version of Labubu, use your hands! Real Labubu plushies are made of very soft, high-quality fur. The stitching is neat, and you can’t see any loose threads. The toy should also feel a bit heavy and solid (Side Kicks, 2025).
A fake Labubu often feels “crunchy” or rough. The fur might fall out if you tug on it, and the stitching is usually messy. If the toy feels very light or “hollow” like it’s filled with cheap air, it’s a sign that it isn’t the real thing.
Check the Identity Card Inside
Every Labubu blind box comes with a small character card inside. This card should have crisp printing and colors that match the toy perfectly. The card itself should be sturdy and not feel like a thin piece of regular paper.
In a fake Labubu box, the card might be missing entirely. If it is there, the image might look blurry or the colors might be slightly off. Some fakes even have spelling mistakes on the card! Always read the text carefully to see if “Pop Mart” or “The Monsters” is spelled correctly.
Popular Labubu Series to Watch For
Since there are so many versions of Labubu, it helps to know which ones are most common. Currently, the “Tasty Macarons” and “Have a Seat” series are very popular (Novelship News, 2026). Because everyone wants these, scammers focus on making a fake Labubu for these specific collections.
When you are buying these high-demand series, you should be even more careful. Only buy from trusted shops or official Pop Mart stores to make sure you get a real “Macaron” or “Sit” Labubu.
Conclusion
Collecting Labubu is a lot of fun, but it’s important to stay alert. Remember the key steps: check the box for a matte finish, count the 9 teeth, scan the QR code, and feel the quality of the fur. A fake Labubu might be cheaper, but it will never have the charm or the value of a real piece created by Kasing Lung.
Always trust your gut. If a deal seems too good to be true—like a very rare Labubu being sold for only a few dollars—it is probably a fake. Happy collecting, and may your shelves always be filled with authentic monsters!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many teeth does a real Labubu have?
A real Labubu always has exactly 9 pointy teeth. If you count more or fewer, it is a fake (wikiHow, n.d.).
2. Does every Labubu come with a QR code?
Most newer models do, but very old Labubu toys made before the Pop Mart partnership might not have them. For modern releases, a missing or broken QR code is a bad sign (Pop Mart Official, n.d.).
3. Why does my Labubu nose glow under UV light?
That is an official security feature! Authentic Labubu noses are painted with UV-reactive paint to help collectors identify them (Side Kicks, 2025).
4. Where is the best place to buy authentic Labubu?
The safest places are official Pop Mart stores, their website, or authorized retailers like Roboshops. Avoid random sellers on social media with no reviews.
5. Is a “Lafufu” the same as a Labubu?
No, “Lafufu” is a nickname fans use for a fake Labubu. If you see someone selling a “Lafufu,” they are telling you it is a counterfeit.
6. Can a fake Labubu be dangerous?
Yes, some fakes use lead-based paints or have small parts that are choking hazards. It is always safer to buy the official product (ACCC Product Safety, 2025).
