According to Elena Pristupa, a doctor of pedagogical sciences, Labubu will not be included in the official list of toys recommended for preschool education. The reason is that it doesn't align with traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. She notes that Labubu's image carries an aggressive emotional connotation that can negatively impact a child's developing psyche. "Such toys cannot be allowed into the educational environment," the expert emphasized.
But it's not just a matter of appearance. In December 2025, Roskachestvo published the results of testing 13 samples of labubu keychains. One of them contained dioctyl phthalate (DEHP) at a concentration of 2.9 mg/L, exceeding the permissible limit of 2 mg/L. This substance is a phthalate—a chemical that can disrupt the endocrine system, irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and pose a serious health risk to children if ingested.
Particularly concerning is the fact that, despite being labeled "15+," such keychains are often purchased for young children. Furthermore, five of the thirteen samples tested lacked mandatory labeling: there was no manufacturer or importer information—a violation of the technical regulations of the Customs Union.
Interestingly, Russia is not the first country where labubu has come under scrutiny. For example, in the city of Erbil (Iraqi Kurdistan), authorities have officially banned the sale of these toys, citing consumer exploitation and speculative hype surrounding collectible figurines.
Thus, behind the "ugly-cute" façade of labubu, there are both educational and sanitary-chemical risks. While for teenagers it may simply be a fashion accessory, for preschoolers it poses a potential threat. Therefore, the decision to ban labubu from kindergartens does not seem like censorship, but rather a responsible concern for the safety and health of this most vulnerable age group.