Is your Labubu doll authentic? Here's how to check

Time of India

4 days ago

The Labubu craze is no joke. From BLACKPINK's Lisa to Rihanna and Dua Lipa, even Kim Kardashian has been seen clutching one of these so-ugly-they're-cute monster keychains. Designed by Pop Mart, these vinyl collectibles sell out in seconds, and where there's hype, fakes follow.
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As demand grows and stocks vanish, many fans turn to resale sites like Amazon or StockX. But that's where things get dicey. Not only do you risk overpaying for a knockoff, but there's also something more serious: safety. According to The Sun, more than 100 fake Labubu dolls and keychains were seized by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council for skipping crucial safety checks.
'Following the discovery of counterfeit toys, we want to alert consumers and particularly parents to be extra vigilant,' said Rhian Hope, Head of Public Protection and Regulatory Services.
'These counterfeit toys can seem like a bargain...but they are potentially dangerous.' She added, 'Counterfeit toys can potentially pose significant dangers to young children such as chemical exposure and choking hazards.
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Source: Getty Images
So before you buy, here's how to tell if your Labubu is real—or just another "Lafufu" in disguise.
Check the box texture and colors
Genuine Labubu boxes have a soft matte finish and a somewhat muted tone. Nothing glossy or overly bright.
Fakes tend to shine, literally. Their boxes are often louder in color and rough to the touch. Flip the box over: that tiny trash-can symbol? On real boxes, the arrow has rounded corners. On a fake? It'll be sharp and square.
Count those teeth
Yes, seriously, Labubus have exactly 9 sharp little teeth. Fewer or more? It's not legit. And even if it has 9, check the paint job. On real ones, the teeth are neatly spaced and cleanly painted along the blue mouth line.
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Fakes often have blobs for teeth or awkward gaps between them.
Source: Getty Images
Study the face
A real Labubu's face is pale peach, soft to look at, and matte in texture. Fakes? They go wild with shades—think orange or hot pink. The real ones also have gentle blush and glossy, embedded eyes. Counterfeits may have bulging or misaligned eyes, with harsh paint that feels rushed.
Fun test: Shine a blacklight on the nose. If it glows faintly, it's likely the real deal.
Feel the fur
If you're holding a plush Labubu, run your fingers through its fur. Real ones feel like a cloud—soft, thick, high quality. Fakes tend to feel like dollar store fluff. Look closely at the stitching: genuine versions hide their seams, while fake ones often have threads sticking out.
Source: Getty Images
Check the left foot
Every authentic Labubu has the Pop Mart logo stamped on the left foot. It should be centered, crisp, and spelled right (yes, really). If it's missing, misaligned, or looks fuzzy? You've got a dupe.
Look for the identity card
Inside the box, you should find a pastel-colored ID card with clear printing and a desiccant packet. No card or one with blurry text? That's a red flag.
Disclaimer
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The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance to help identify authentic Labubu dolls. It is based on publicly available details and collector insights. We do not claim absolute authority on product authentication, and readers are encouraged to consult official retailers or experts for verification.