lafufu_tr
lafufu_tr/Instagram

What began as a viral toy craze has devolved into a public safety concern, as consumers across the UK report serious issues with Lafufu dolls—unofficial, off-brand imitations of Pop Mart's widely popular Labubu character.

Priced as low as £10 in markets and online platforms, the counterfeit toys have sparked a wave of TikTok content showing dolls losing teeth, detaching limbs, bulging eyes and, in some cases, emitting strong chemical odours. While the low price point has drawn bargain hunters, the consequences have proven far from harmless.

In London and other cities, parents have reported alarming defects, including melting fur and disintegrating plastic parts just days after purchase. Several social media users have labelled the dolls 'nightmare fuel,' documenting incidents where the toys appeared to fall apart in real time.

More concerning are the safety risks now under investigation. Local authorities in parts of the UK and Europe have raised red flags about the materials used in production, which may include flammable fabrics and substances that pose choking or toxicity hazards.

In Wales and parts of Scotland, small-scale product recalls have already begun after reports emerged of children falling ill following exposure to certain Lafufu dolls. While no serious injuries have been officially confirmed, parents and watchdog groups are urging caution.

Consumer protection agencies have yet to issue a nationwide ban, but investigations are ongoing. In the meantime, parents are advised to avoid unverified sellers and check for CE markings and legitimate safety certifications before purchasing any toy resembling the Labubu brand.

Pop Mart has not yet commented on the knockoffs, but experts say the incident underscores the growing risks tied to viral trends and counterfeit goods in the toy market.

Lafufu Doll Melting

@mannyshallperish

my gf wanted me to dye her Labubu and it actually came out pretty cool😂 #labubu #labubuthemonsters

♬ sonido original - juancarlosgonz189

Lafufu Eyes Falling Out

Lafufu Unboxing Fail

@amberroserod

Not sure what we expected, but it wasn’t this lol!! #lafufu #lafufuunboxing #fail #labubu

♬ original sound - Amber Rodriguez

Lafufu vs Labubu

But Lafufu's notoriety isn't just about risk—it's also become prime TikTok entertainment. From exploding heads to unboxings gone wrong, Gen Z has embraced the chaos. Irony rules: these videos are both hilarious and horrifying, racking up millions of views as users document their 'unfortunate finds.'

As regulators step up, it's clear: Lafufu may be viral—but it's no laughing matter when it lands in the wrong hands.