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7 Shocking Ways To Spot A Fake Labubu: The Ultimate 2025 Collector’s Authentication Guide

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The global demand for Labubu figures, the mischievous creature from Kasing Lung's "The Monsters" series and a flagship product of POP MART, has skyrocketed, unfortunately leading to an explosion of sophisticated counterfeits. As of late 2025, collectors must be more vigilant than ever, as fake "Lafufu" figures are not only a waste of money but have also been flagged by safety regulators, like the CPSC, for posing a serious choking hazard due to poor construction. This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date, critical checkpoints to ensure your cherished Labubu blind box or figure is 100% authentic.

To protect your collection and your safety, you must move beyond simple price checks. Real authentication requires a detailed inspection of the packaging, the anti-counterfeit codes, and the figure's intrinsic quality. We've compiled the seven most crucial, often overlooked, differences between a genuine Labubu and a cheap imitation.

The Essential Labubu Figure and Brand Entities

To establish a solid foundation for authentication, you must know the key entities involved in the Labubu universe. Counterfeiters often fail to replicate these details accurately.

  • Creator: Kasing Lung (a Hong Kong-based artist).
  • Series: The Monsters (The core series featuring Labubu, Tycoco, Spook, Zimomo, and Pato).
  • Manufacturer/Distributor: POP MART (The leading blind box giant).
  • Official Anti-Counterfeit Measures: Hologram sticker, unique QR code, and sequential Anti-Counterfeit Code.
  • Common Counterfeit Name: Lafufu (often used to skirt intellectual property laws).
  • Key Product Lines: Vinyl Figure, Plush Doll (e.g., Labubu V3 Big Into Energy), Labubu Macaron.

7 Critical Differences: Fake vs. Real Labubu Authentication Checklist

The difference between a genuine Labubu and a counterfeit often comes down to minute details that only an expert eye can spot. Use this seven-point checklist to verify your purchase.

1. The Packaging and Finish Test (Matte vs. Shine)

The first and most immediate red flag is the quality of the packaging. Authentic POP MART blind box packaging will have a distinct matte finish and a smooth, solid feel. The colors on the box are typically muted, soft, and borderline faint.

  • Real Labubu Box: Matte texture, smooth cardboard, muted pastel colors, and crisp, clear printing.
  • Fake Labubu Box: Often shiny or glossy, uses thin or wrinkled cardboard, and the colors are overly vibrant and bright. Look for blurry text or misspellings on the tags and boxes—a dead giveaway.

2. The Hologram Sticker and QR Code Verification

Modern POP MART figures, including new Labubu series, feature advanced anti-counterfeiting technology. Always check for the official security elements.

  • Hologram Sticker: A genuine Labubu package will have a high-quality, clear holographic sticker, usually with the "POP MART" logo, located on the top right or back of the box. This sticker should shift colors smoothly and be perfectly aligned.
  • QR Code: A QR code is often present on the back. When scanned, it should redirect to an official POP MART verification page. Fakes may have a non-functional code or one that redirects to a suspicious, unofficial website.
  • Anti-Counterfeit Code: Some series include a unique, sequential code that can be verified on the official POP MART app or website.

3. Figure Quality: Paint Lines, Eyes, and Texture

Once you open the box, the figure's quality is the ultimate test. Counterfeiters use cheaper molds and paint, resulting in noticeable flaws.

  • Real Labubu Figure: Features a smooth, uniform matte finish on the vinyl. The paint lines are exceptionally crisp, clean, and never bleed. The eyes are glossy, perfectly embedded into the vinyl, and look clear.
  • Fake Labubu Figure: Often has an overly plastic or rubbery texture. The paint application is sloppy, with visible drips, smudges, or bleeding onto other areas. The eyes may look dull, poorly painted, or slightly misaligned.

4. The UV Light Test (Specific to Macaron V1 and Others)

For specific, highly-sought-after figures like the Labubu Macaron V1, collectors have discovered a hidden authentication trick involving UV light.

  • Real Labubu Macaron V1: When exposed to UV (black) light, the figure's nose will exhibit a strong, distinct orange fluorescence (glow).
  • Fake Labubu Macaron V1: The nose usually remains dark, shows no glow, or turns a muddy, inconsistent red color. This is a powerful, high-level verification method.

5. The Hidden Foot and Base Details

Always check the bottom of the figure's feet or the base. Authentic POP MART figures have specific, molded markings that are difficult for counterfeiters to replicate precisely.

  • Authentic Markings: Look for the official "POP MART" logo, the "The Monsters" series name, and sometimes the creator's signature (Kasing Lung) or a specific series code, all cleanly molded into the vinyl.
  • Counterfeit Markings: Fakes may have blurry, shallow, or completely missing markings. Sometimes, there are mold seams or excess plastic flash that are not present on a genuine figure.

6. New Packaging: Drawstring Bag vs. Foil Seal

For the latest Labubu series, POP MART has introduced a change in the internal packaging to improve the unboxing experience and reduce waste. This is a crucial detail for checking the newest releases.

  • New Real Packaging: For series like 'Have a Seat' (HAS), figures are now sealed in reusable drawstring bags, moving away from the traditional foil-sealed bags.
  • Old/Fake Packaging: If you buy a figure from a brand-new series that should have a drawstring bag but instead comes in a foil-sealed bag, it is a major warning sign. Always check the official POP MART series release details.

7. The Safety and Material Warning

Beyond collectibility, the most serious reason to avoid counterfeits is safety. Federal regulators, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have issued safety warnings about fake Labubu dolls, sometimes called "Lafufus".

  • Safety Risk: Counterfeit figures are often made with substandard, unverified materials and have small parts that detach easily, posing a severe choking hazard for children.
  • Material Quality: A real Labubu vinyl figure feels dense and high-quality, while a fake often feels light, brittle, or overly flexible due to cheap plastic components.

Protecting Your Investment: Final Tips for Collectors

The market for Labubu blind box figures will continue to see high demand, and with that comes a continuous stream of new, tricky counterfeits. To safeguard your collection, always follow these best practices:

  • Buy from Authorized Retailers: The safest route is to purchase directly from official POP MART stores, their official online channels, or established, authorized third-party retailers.
  • Record an Unboxing Video: Always film a continuous, sealed-to-open unboxing video. This serves as critical evidence if you need to dispute a purchase due to a counterfeit.
  • Be Wary of Deep Discounts: Genuine Labubu figures hold their value. If a deal seems too good to be true, it is almost certainly a fake.

By using this detailed authentication guide, focusing on the figure's quality, the packaging's matte finish, and the anti-counterfeit codes, you can confidently distinguish a genuine Labubu from a dangerous, fake "Lafufu" and ensure the integrity of your collection.

7 Shocking Ways to Spot a Fake Labubu: The Ultimate 2025 Collector’s Authentication Guide
fake vs real labubu
fake vs real labubu

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