Labubu monster dolls are ugly and adorable
New monster dolls are taking over the internet. Influencers shell out as much as $85 for bigger Labubu dolls.
There are several ways you can tell if your Labubu is a counterfeit.
Labubu fever is everywhere.
The quirky, wide-eyed monster collectibles from Pop Mart have taken over toy shelves, TikTok feeds and keychains across the globe. But as demand skyrockets for the mischievous little creatures, so too does the risk of buying a counterfeit—especially when retailers frequently sell out.
Pop Mart’s physical stores and online platforms, including its official Amazon storefront, often restock in waves. Once sold out, eager buyers must turn to resellers on marketplaces like StockX, where prices spike depending on rarity and demand.
But what happens when your eagerly awaited Labubu arrives and you’re unsure if it’s the real deal?
There are ways to spot a fake, experts and collectors say.
How to spot fake Labubu products
Authentic Labubu boxes have a matte finish and a smooth, muted color palette. Fake versions are typically glossy, textured and overly vibrant. Each box should also include a QR code inside — real ones redirect to Pop Mart’s official website without delay. If the link is broken, slow to load, or takes you to a suspicious site, it’s a major red flag.
Next, examine the doll itself
Labubu’s signature grin should feature exactly nine pointed teeth. Too few — or too many — means it’s not authentic.
Then, look at the face. Genuine Labubus have a pale, peach-toned complexion. Bright pinks, oranges or yellows are signs of a counterfeit product.
Lastly, check the right foot
Newer editions, starting in 2024, include a hidden authenticity stamp visible only under UV light. Each stamp is a silhouette matching the specific Labubu series. For example, dolls from the Have A Seat line display a seated Labubu, while the Exciting Macaron series shows one standing.
As Pop Mart continues to expand its global reach, the company has yet to publicly comment on rising counterfeit concerns. But until the next restock, collectors are urged to verify authenticity—especially when shopping outside official channels.
With knockoffs flooding the market, one thing’s clear: even monsters aren’t safe from copycats.