PVC Vinyl: The Core Material
The body of every Labubu figure is cast from soft PVC vinyl — the same material category used by most premium collectible figure manufacturers. Soft PVC allows for the subtle details in Labubu's design (the expressive face, the distinctive teeth, the rounded body shape) without the brittleness of hard plastic.
Soft PVC has a characteristic slight flexibility — a Labubu figure can be gently squeezed without cracking. This is intentional and part of the material's durability profile. It also means dropped figures are less likely to shatter than hard resin or hard plastic collectibles.
Paint Process and Finish
The paint on Labubu figures is applied in multiple layers through a combination of spray painting and hand-detailing. The base colors are typically spray-applied for even coverage, while facial details — especially the eyes, mouth, and teeth — require hand-applied accents to achieve the characteristic depth and expression.
The final layer is a clear protective coating that seals the paint and gives the figure its characteristic slightly matte or semi-gloss finish depending on the series. This protective coat is what makes the figures tolerant of light cleaning without paint lifting, but aggressive solvents or abrasives can still break through it.
Faux Fur Elements
On series featuring fluffy ears (a signature element of The Monsters line), the ear material is synthetic faux fur — a knit pile fabric. This is bonded to the vinyl base at the ear attachment point. The fur quality on authentic figures is consistent and tightly woven; on fakes, the attachment is often visibly uneven.
The faux fur material is the most delicate part of any Labubu figure and requires different care than the vinyl body. It's not heat-resistant, not water-tolerant in quantity, and can mat if handled repeatedly.
Safety Standards
Pop Mart produces Labubu figures to meet international toy safety standards. US market figures comply with ASTM F963. European market figures carry CE marking and comply with EN71. This means the materials have been tested for heavy metals, phthalates, and other chemical safety parameters.
Despite meeting toy safety standards, Labubu is marketed as a collectible for ages 15 and older — not a children's toy. Small accessories, sharp edge risks from certain poses, and the blind box mechanism all contribute to the adult collector designation. Keep away from children under 3 regardless of safety certification.