Deciem Founder Brandon Truaxe Dies at 40
Brandon Truaxe has died at the age of 40, according to an Instagram post shared on Monday by Deciem, the Toronto-based makeup company he founded. A cause of death has not been released.
Truaxe founded Deciem in 2013, a parent company containing over 10 skin and beauty brands. One of the company’s well-known brands, The Ordinary, offers skincare products at affordable prices.
In October, a judge ousted Truaxe from his CEO position at Deciem after Truaxe made claims that the company should be shut down due to “financial crimes,” according to Vox. Nothing substantiating Truaxe’s claims have been made public. The judge also issued a restraining order against Truaxe after he sent what appeared to be threatening emails to Estée Lauder executives. Estée Lauder has a small stake in Deciem.
In November, Truaxe was admitted to a psychiatric hospital after exhibiting odd behavior that was later diagnosed as psychosis, according to the Financial Post. Doctors initially suggested bipolar disorder, however, Truaxe’s lawyers said the psychosis was due to his use of psychedelic mushrooms and crystal methamphetamine. Truaxe denied having a mental illness.
Friends and fans of Deciem’s brands shared their condolences on Twitter.
RIP Brandon Trauxe thank you for making skincare products affordable. The Ordinary is hands down one of the best things to come out of Toronto. ❤️❤️❤️
— izzy (@arixsolana) January 21, 2019
#RIPBrandonTruaxe
You created a brand that no other brand could possibly compete with. You ignited the beauty world with something out the ‘ordinary’, a creation so powerful that enabled the whole world to connect with passion, driven energy and love in skincare. ????????❤️????????????❤️????????— John Wharff (@MrWharff) January 21, 2019
RIP #BrandonTruaxe – Creator, Genius and founder of Deciem – and cult brand The Ordinary. Died at 40! I’m so shocked and devastated – I loved creating his fragrances, he had such a unique creative genius mind- no more words… ????????✨???????? pic.twitter.com/KShagFQLni
— Azzi Glasser (@AzziGlasser) January 21, 2019
Saddened to hear that Brandon Truaxe has passed away ???? He created a brand that truly changed my skin and my life and I hope he is finally at peace. ???? #Deciem
— Emilie Sobel (@emiliesobel) January 21, 2019
3 years ago Brandon Truaxe gave me the opportunity to work on his baby, Deciem, & be a part of the team that he held so close to his heart & called family. His belief and trust in me was a big factor in everything I've accomplished since then, & I'll miss him dearly. RIP Brandon.
— Del Mahabadi (@del_mahabadi) January 21, 2019
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Elizabeth is the reporter at The Mighty. Elizabeth also runs the Elizabeth Explains column of Mighty Brief, The Mighty's daily newsletter. Follow her on twitter @ekcassidy4 or send an email to elizabeth@themighty.com.
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