Real vs. Fake Skullpanda: How to Spot the Difference

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Plus tips on where to buy real Skullpanda figures

Co-authored by Daniel Gbenle and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: August 27, 2025 Fact Checked

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Identifying Real vs. Fake Skullpandas

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Buying Authentic Skullpandas

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Different Skullpanda Types

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If you’re into collecting Skullpanda, you probably know that there’s a risk of getting a fake Skullpanda if you buy from anywhere other than POP MART. So if you’re considering buying from a third-party seller or trading with another collector, how can you really be sure you’re getting the real thing? We’re breaking down everything to look for to know whether your Skullpanda is real or fake.

Signs that a Skullpanda Is Real

Packaging: A real Skullpanda will read “Skullpanda” and “POP MART” on a matte box, and the figurine itself will come in a sealed plastic or foil bag.
QR Code: A real Skullpanda should have a QR code that takes you to this site.
Color: A real Skullpanda will be painted with subtle gradients and without any cracks in the pigment.
Accessories: Most real Skullpanda will have a special accessory that matches the specific product description.

Section 1 of 3:

How to Tell a Real vs. Fake Skullpanda

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Packaging Before you even open a Skullpanda figurine, take some time to examine the box. An authentic Skullpanda will have both Skullpanda and POP MART branding on the box. The box should also feel high quality, with a slightly matte texture. Some series may have embossed lettering or metallic foil on the box.^{[1]
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- A fake Skullpanda may come in a box that feels slick and glossy. The printing may be faded or uneven, or the colors may be wrong. The box may have been previously opened and taped shut.
- An authentic Skullpanda will come inside a sealed plastic or foil bag. Fake Skullpandas may come in an opened bag or a bag with incorrect branding on it.
- Real Skullpandas often have an identity card or other branding inside the box, as well.^{[2]
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POP MART sticker/QR code Check the outside of your Skullpanda box for a silver sticker with a QR code. If you scan that QR code, it should take you to POP MART’s authentication site (fswy.popmart.com). Scratch off the silver coating just under the QR code on the sticker to get your authentication code, then enter that into the site to verify that your item is real.^{[3]
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- It may be a fake if the QR code is missing or blurry, or if you scan it and it slowly redirects or takes you to a different site.
- Sometimes scammers will repackage fake items in authentic packages, so still take the time to verify that the figure inside the box is real. But if the box and bag are sealed and the box passes the authentication check, it’s a good start.
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Skullpanda/POP MART branding on figure Most Skullpandas have the Skullpanda and POP MART logos stamped onto the bottom of their stand. On figurines with a removable stand, the logos are usually stamped onto the figure itself, either on the back or the bottom.^{[4]
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- The Skullpanda logo is a large circle with two mid-size circles near the bottom and a small circle on top.
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Color Skullpandas have a signature paint style that usually features subtle color gradients. For instance, many figures have a slight rosy blush around the eyes and on the fingers, and folds in the clothing may have a hint of another color.^{[5]
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- A fake may be the wrong color or lacking gradients, or the gradients may be more obvious instead of very subtle. There might also be cracks in the paint.
- On plush Skullpandas, the fur may be a slightly different color than the listing.^{[6]
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Matte vs. glossy finish One of the most obvious ways to tell a fake Skullpanda from an authentic one is to examine the paint and finish. Some Skullpanda series, like Warmth, have a glossy figure, while others have a pearlescent finish. If the figure looks more matte or glossy than the original appears to be in pictures and videos, it may be a fake.
- On plush Skullpanda figures, check whether the vinyl face and hair have the right finish.^{[7]
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Clean molding Authentic Skullpandas have high-quality molding on the plastic, with visible detailing. A fake Skullpanda might be missing texture or details on the hair or outfit, or pieces that should be separate may be molded as a single piece. The proportions of the limbs might also seem off.^{[8]
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- You might also notice that fake Skullpandas have visible seams.
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Accessories Some Skullpandas come with special accessories, like an umbrella, cloak, or pet. If the accessory is missing, or if it’s poor-quality, you may have a fake Skullpanda. For instance, you may notice that the original has tiny details that are missing on a fake version.
- Skullpanda accessories should attach cleanly to the doll, either through a magnetic connection or by snapping into place. For instance, in The Sound Series, some of the figures have magnetic masks.^{[9]
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  Research source} If the accessories don’t attach, the figure may not be authentic.

Section 2 of 3:

Where to Buy an Authentic Skullpanda

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Buy Skullpanda figurines from POP MART’s official website. POP MART is best known for selling Labubu dolls. Competition for Skullpanda figures isn’t as high as it is for Labubus, so current Skullpanda series are usually in stock on the POP MART website. This is the safest and easiest place to buy Skullpandas.
- You can also buy Skullpandas on POP MART’s official Amazon page. If you buy from Amazon, double-check that the seller is POP MART—third-party sellers may not sell authentic products.
- POP MART often offers Skullpandas during their daily TikTok lives. Join the live stream at @popmart.usshop every day from 2 PM until 2 AM PST (5 PM to 5 AM EST).
- You can sometimes find Skullpanda in other stores or on online auction/resell sites. But use caution if you buy a Skullpanda that doesn’t come directly from POP MART. Sometimes, retail shops or online resellers carry non-authentic figures.

Section 3 of 3:

How many different Skullpanda figures are there?

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There have been at least 18 Skullpanda series released. Each series has around 9–12 figures, and many have a rare “secret” Skullpanda. There are also limited-edition Skullpandas that don’t come as part of a series, like the MEGA Skullpanda Van Gogh Museum Sunflowers. Skullpanda also has a number of accessories, including phone chains, plush pendants, and magnets.^{[10]
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Research source} Popular Skullpanda series include:
- Warmth (Dec. 2022): Soft, pastel-like colors and nostalgic designs ^{[11]
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- Everyday Wonderland (May 2023): “Alice in Wonderland”-themed figures
- Ink Plum Blossom (Nov. 2023): Combines traditional Chinese art with a nature theme
- Image of Reality (Feb. 2024): Carnival-themed figures with a bold, eerie style
- The Sound (June 2024): A bold blend of industrial and gothic styling that celebrates the emotion of music