With Labubu is growing rapidly worldwide, more and more collectors are joining the community. But alongside the rising demand comes an unfortunate reality: counterfeit versions, often called "Lafufu" or "Lababa," are becoming increasingly common and increasingly convincing.
What Is Lafufu, Exactly?
Simply put, Lafufu is the nickname that collector communities have given to fake, unauthorized, or low-quality replicas of the official Labubu dolls. It is not an official brand or character — it is a label for counterfeits that attempt to imitate Labubu is appearance at a fraction of the price.
In the early days of Labubu is popularity, fakes were relatively easy to spot. But as counterfeiting techniques have improved, distinguishing a real Labubu from a Lafufu has become much harder.
Labubu vs Lafufu: Key Differences
Design & Appearance
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Teeth: Authentic Labubu has exactly 9 signature pointed teeth. Fake versions often have incorrect tooth counts, blurry or misshapen teeth, or asymmetrical alignment.
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Face shape & eyes: Real Labubu dolls have carefully proportioned facial features with a natural, expressive look. On fakes, eyes may be misaligned, the face shape can look flat or distorted, and the overall expression often appears "off" or "creepy."
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Body proportion: Official Labubu has balanced body proportions. Many counterfeits look stiff or have limbs that are noticeably out of proportion.
Material & Texture
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Official Labubu: Made with quality vinyl (for the head) and soft, premium plush materials. The texture is smooth and refined, with a satisfying weight to the doll.
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Lafufu: Typically made with cheaper synthetic fibers that feel rough or dry. The vinyl parts may have a plastic odor, oily sheen, or sloppy paint application with color bleeding.
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Durability: Authentic Labubu is built to last. Fakes often fall apart, shed, or show wear after minimal handling.
Packaging & Labels
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QR Code: Official Labubu products include a QR code on the wash tag or box that links to POP MART is official authenticity verification page. Click here to check the official verification process.
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holographic seal: Authentic products have proper POP MART branding, holographic labels, and professional printing. Fakes often have poor-quality print, missing logos, or suspicious-looking QR codes that redirect to fake websites.
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Barcode & batch code: Real Labubu packaging includes proper barcode and batch information that can be verified with the retailer.
Price & Where You Buy
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Official Price: Labubu blind boxes typically range from $10–$30 USD at retail. Secondary market prices for rare versions can be significantly higher, but still within predictable ranges.
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Lafufu Price: If the price seems too good to be true — like $5–$15 for what should be a $20+ item — it is almost certainly fake.
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Where to Buy Real: Purchase only from official POP MART stores, the POP MART website, or authorized retailers. Avoid unofficial online marketplaces, unauthorized resellers, or sellers with suspiciously low prices.
The Most Reliable Way to Verify: QR Code Scan
No matter how good a counterfeit looks, the most dependable authenticity check is the official QR code verification introduced by POP MART.
Here is how it works:
- Locate the QR code on your Labubu is wash tag or packaging box.
- Scan it using your smartphone is camera or the POP MART app.
- You will receive one of three results:
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First-time scan → Your doll is authentic. Congratulations!
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Already scanned → The item may have been resold. Cross-reference with your seller.
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Invalid code → The product is very likely fake.
For detailed step-by-step instructions, visit the official POP MART authenticity check page.
The Bottom Line
As counterfeiting techniques have evolved, telling a real Labubu from a Lafufu has become harder — but it is still possible with the right knowledge and the official QR verification tool.
The key is to always buy from authorized sources, verify with the official QR code, and trust your instincts. If the price looks too low or the seller seems unreliable, it is worth walking away.
For more authentication tips, check out these guides:
Whether you are a seasoned collector or just getting started, understanding the difference between Labubu and Lafufu is essential. Stay informed, buy smart, and enjoy your Labubu collection with confidence!
