When Watsons BeautyCon 2025 opened its doors at the SMX Convention Center Manila on August 28, one of the most radiant faces to grace the stage was Sarah Lahbati.
The actress and mom of two boys was officially unveiled as the first-ever Philippine ambassador of Japanese skin-care giant Hada Labo.
For Sarah, the campaign felt like a recognition of her personal philosophy that beauty does not have to be complicated.
“I was so incredibly touched and honored, of course, because number one, it's an amazing brand that I use, and it's from Japan.
“For me, to be the first Philippine ambassador, it's so sweet,” she shares with PEP in an exclusive interview.
Read: Sarah Lahbati responds to "Patron Saint of Waldas" tag with humor
Sarah's two-step fix for busy moms
From 10-step routines to viral hacks that promise miracles, it is easy to drown in a sea of beauty trends.
As a public figure, Sarah herself admits that she can get curious enough to try some of them, but with limits.
“I do not mind trying a trend if I feel that it is a safe trend,” she explains.
“For example, it is a trend that belongs to my type of skin, or if it's make-up, something that I would actually use.
“But, I'd rather stick to simple, uncomplicated skin-care products just like Hada Labo.”
Here is where the "Perfect and Simple" ethos of Hada Labo comes into play.
The brand's no-fuss, ingredient-focused formulations—built around eight types of hyaluronic acid—have made its products cult favorites in Japan’s beauty industry.
This stripped-down approach, Sarah reveals, is exactly what she needs at this stage in her life.
As a busy mom, actress, and content creator, she doesn’t have the luxury of a ten-step routine.
She relates: “Honestly, my turning point in selecting better skin-care products would be time; which one is less time-consuming?
“What I love about Hada Labo products is that it's just two steps, rather than five to ten steps.
“It's so simple and makes your skin perfect and glowy. It's what I need as a busy working mother.”
Read: Sneak Peek: Sarah Lahbati's New Home, Mood for 2024
Sarah's skin-care TIPS
What makes Sarah’s advocacy for healthier skin more authentic is her own backstory.
She openly recalls struggling with acne—something that shook her confidence during her early years in showbiz.
“I used to be so acne-prone, until even my 20s, which was so frustrating,” she says.
“That and I guess my working environment, and the fact that I travel a lot.”
These experiences didn’t just shape her product preferences, but also sharpened her awareness of what goes into each bottle.
Transparency matters to her, and she wants her sons to one day inherit that same mindfulness.
“I really want skin care where I know the ingredients, I know what's in this specific bottle.
“I know that the hyaluronic acid plumps up my dry skin from traveling, from filming crazy hours.”
At the heart of Sarah’s philosophy is a reminder that skin care should never feel like a duty or punishment.
She advises: “Be consistent, never sleep with make-up on no matter how tired you are, and look at it as something you do for fun and for yourself.
“Kasi sometimes, di ba, we could get lazy. So, like, put on some music while you're in the shower.
“When you're doing your skin care, when you're doing your make-up, enjoy it.”
Read: Sarah Lahbati holds One Piece-themed birthday party for Zion
SARAH on teaching sons the importance of skin care
Perhaps most heartwarming is Sarah’s perspective on how she’s raising her two sons, Zion and Kai.
While skin care is often marketed toward women, Sarah believes it’s just as important for boys to learn about it early.
“Totally,” she begins, “I think it's important to teach kids about hygiene.”
She adds, “And eventually as they grow older into teenagers, I will definitely teach them about skin care.
“There's nothing wrong about it at all.”
By framing skin care as part of self-care and hygiene rather than vanity, Sarah is paving the way for her sons to value grooming and grow up with confidence.
READ MORE: