Former Estée Lauder Executive Joe Gubernick Dies at 88

Former Estée Lauder Cos. executive Joseph “Joe” Gubernick died on Saturday. He was 88. The cause of death was not reported.

Gubernick held many posts during his career at Estée Lauder, most notably in research and development. He is credited with formulating such best-selling skincare products as Estée Lauder’s Night Repair and Fruition, and Clinique’s Turnaround Cream. He also played a key role in the development of Origins.

In a statement, the Estée Lauder Board said, “As an early founder of our R&D group in Melville, NY, Joe was at the helm of many breakthroughs, guiding our company to success with patented products that remain popular today. When Joe came to our team in 1972, he was deemed a genius. He was that and so much more. Joe was a great man who will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones.”

Gubernick joined ELC from Revlon in 1972 as senior vice president of R&D. He held that position until 1985, when he focused on creating the Origins brand, which launched in 1990. In 1991, he rejoined ELC R&D until 2000, when he assumed responsibility for the corporate product innovation group. In 2008, he was named chief marketing officer of the Estée Lauder brand.

In a LinkedIn post, long-time colleague Harvey Gedeon wrote, “A better man, a more compassionate man, a smarter researcher and scientist, the world and the cosmetic industry lost a giant who changed specially the skin care business for the better. So many memories and so many great adventures with this giant of a man!”

After leaving ELC, Gubernick created In Ventures. Most recently he was lead adviser to I-On Skincare, founded by Dr. Xi Huang, which is said to have a proprietary technology that removes and neutralizes various forms of iron in the skin.

“Joe will forever be remembered as an iconic trailblazer in the beauty industry,” wrote Huang in a LinkedIn post. “He was a genius researcher and scientist whose mind worked wondrously surpassing convention and boundaries to invent the extraordinary, forever changing the cosmetic skincare landscape. Joe was passionate about life and science for the greater good and reverently supportive of my own scientific endeavor, I-On Skincare. His charm, kindness and compassion, and eccentric humor were contagious and will be dearly missed.”

Sources say a memorial service will take place in the spring. Donations in Gubernick’s name can be made to Hudson Valley Hospice.