Brandon Truaxe death: Founder of skincare company Deciem dies aged 40
The former CEO's death has been confirmed by Deciem on Instagram
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Your support makes all the difference.Brandon Truaxe, the founder and former CEO of skincare company Deciem, which is behind the cult brand The Ordinary, has died aged 40.
An official announcement was made by Deciem on Instagram alongside a photo of its creator.
“Brandon, our founder and friend. You touched our hearts, inspired our minds and made us believe that anything is possible," it said.
“Whilst we can’t imagine a world without you, we promise to take care of each other and will work hard to continue your vision. May you finally be at peace.”
Deciem’s acting CEO, Nicola Kilner, also reportedly confirmed the death in an email to staff, saying Truaxe died over the weekend.
According to Vox, the note said: “I can’t believe I am typing these words. Brandon has passed away over the weekend. Heartbroken doesn’t come close to how I, and how I know many of you will be feeling.
“All offices, warehouses, factories and stores please close today and take the time to cry with sadness, smile at the good times we had, reflect on what his genius built and hug your loved ones that little harder.
“We are all in disbelief and shock but I will be in touch again very soon. I love you all incredibly much, as did he.”
The cause of death has not yet been released.
Concerns were raised over the brand founder's well-being after Truaxe posted a series of videos on Instagram on Saturday, where he admitted to drinking and openly shared the address of his Penthouse in Toronto.
Fans commented on the videos telling him to "be safe".
Truaxe was best known for launching skincare brand The Ordinary, which sells “luxury” products at affordable prices.
However, his success became overshadowed after he was removed from his role at the company following months of erratic behaviour on social media.
In October 2018, Truaxe told followers he was shutting down operations until further notice, claiming that "almost everyone at Deciem has been involved in major criminal activity, which includes financial crimes.” However, these accusations were never substantiated.
Following the outburst, Estee Lauder promptly released a statement, saying it was “deeply concerned” by the material Truaxe had shared and would defend its rights as a minority investor.
Truaxe was subsequently removed from his role and Estée Lauder sued him for violating the terms of their shareholder agreement.
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