Is your Labubu fake?

If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, chances are you’ve come across posts about Labubu dolls, a brand of collectible plush monsters sold by Chinese toy firm Pop Mart.

According to Forbes, in 2024 Pop Mart’s total revenue more than doubled to  $1.81 billion (£1.33 billion), with plush toy sales largely driven by the popularity of Labubu.

On TikTok, the hashtag #Labubu has racked up more than 200 million posts, with fans eagerly unboxing rare finds and showing off their latest collectable item. But as the demand for Labubus skyrockets, so has the rise in fake merchandise.

The celeb influence

Celebrities have played a major role in catapulting Labubu dolls into the global spotlight. Big names like Dua Lipa, Olivia Attwood and the cast of F1 The Movie have been spotted showing off their Labubu collections, with some unboxing mystery blind boxes and others styling them as fashion accessories or bag charms.

Both official endorsements and casual celebrity associations can significantly influence consumer behaviour shaping trends, driving demand, and creating emotional connections that make products feel more desirable and culturally relevant.

The celebrity-fuelled hype has turned Labubus into both a fashion statement and a sought-after collector’s item.

The rise of counterfeit Labubus

This month, trading standards officers in North Ayrshire seized hundreds of counterfeit Labubu dolls, raising serious safety concerns. These fake toys fail to meet UK toy safety regulations and often contain small, detachable parts that pose a choking hazard to children.

On TikTok, users have shared side-by-side comparisons of real vs. fake figures, pointing out mismatched colours, sloppy paint jobs, and incorrect packaging. One user, @charzreviews, went viral after discovering her online purchase was a fake, stating “I’ve already raised a dispute” and warning followers, “don’t be fooled, some of these resellers are trying to rip you off.”

With counterfeit Labubus, also known as Lafufus flooding online marketplaces, fans are being urged to shop only through verified retailers or trusted resellers to avoid disappointment and potential safety risks. So how can you spot a fake?

Labubu vs Lafufu

Helen Barnham, deputy director of enforcement at the Intellectual Property Office, has warned that counterfeit toys are increasingly linked to fast-moving viral trends like Labubu. “We’re seeing criminals increasingly exploit viral toy trends, with counterfeit versions of popular products appearing within days of them going viral.”

The deputy director says one of the biggest concerns is the risk these fakes can pose to children’s health and safety, adding that the counterfeit toys “often haven’t undergone the rigorous safety testing required for genuine products and can pose serious safety risks."

Barnham urges parents to “always research products thoroughly and purchase from trusted sources.”

How to spot a fake Labubu?

From subtle paintwork differences to packaging and inconsistent materials, counterfeit Labubus often reveal themselves through small but telling details. Knowing what to look for can save you from disappointment and wasted money.

Packaging: Real Labubu boxes have a matt finish and muted colours, while fakes are often glossy and overly vibrant. Look for a holographic POP MART sticker and a QR code.

Teeth: Authentic Labubus have nine triangular teeth, resembling fangs. Fakes might have more or fewer teeth and may be less defined.

Mouth and expression: The shape and size of the mouth along with the overall expression can differ between real and fake Labubus. Authentic ones have a mischievous expression.

Quality: Real Labubus generally have higher quality fur, a well-blended blush on their cheeks applied by airbrush and embedded glossy eyes. Fakes might have uneven fur, odd colours, or wobbly limbs.

Foot detail: Newer Labubu editions have a UV-detectable seal on the right foot. Under UV light, you should see a silhouette of the specific Labubu model.

Always remember:

Do your research: Before buying, learn what to look for in authentic Labubus.

Verify sellers: Check reviews, ask questions, and buy from trusted platforms.

Be wary of deals: If the price is far below market value, it’s probably a fake.

Stay informed: Follow official accounts to get accurate information.

This article was published in July 2025.

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