1st- I will admit that statement was a set up that did'nt get replied to for a long time.

2nd- The original topic was Polysorbate 80 which is an emulsifier. "Emulsifiers help bind ingredients together and keep them from separating, most commonly with OIL and WATER. It is also a surfactant – a substance which reduces the surface tension of a liquid – which results in an easier, smoother spread."
So if one were to find another safer emulsifier it/they could combine castor oil and water. At which point Hydrogenated Castor Oil would be justified.
hence my suggestion of Castor oil which I was hoping one would reply to so I could ask about what kind of castor oil they were using.

however you spoke of propylene glycol.
Do you mean this propylene Glycol?:

"In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities."

propylene glycol has been linked to many severe health problems including contact dermatitis (irritation), auto toxicity, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It has been shown to be toxic to human cells in cultures. (Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Jan. 1987) In fact, in tests conducted over the years propylene glycol has been shown to inhibit skin cells growth in human tests and cell respiration in animal tests. (J. Pharm. Belg. Nov/Dec 1989). It was found to cause skeletal muscular damage in rats and rabbits (Pharm Res Sept. 1989). It is reported to directly alter cell membranes (Human Reproduction, Feb 1990) to cause thickening of the skin (contact dermatitis, 1987) skin dehydration and chronic surface damage to skin ( Derm. Beruf Umwelt July/Aug, 1988) It was also shown to increase beta activity (changes found in anxiety states) when inhaled. (The Medical Post Sept 27, 1994.)
Propylene glycol is a known irritant and sensitizer causing dryness, erythema (abnormal redness) and even blistering. (Safety Evaluation of a Barrier Cream, Contact Dermatitis, 17:10-12, 1987)
Despite its record, propylene glycol continues to appear in our everyday products. It was originally developed for use in industry as an anti-freeze, brake fluid, airplane de-icer among other applications and it's doing a good job there.
In fairness, the producers of these products are not doing anything illegal. They use Propylene Glycol and other questionable substances, for three reasons ….
They do the JOB
They’re CHEAP - (In most cases the cap on the bottle costs more that the ingredients inside)
They’re ALLOWED!
Think About It ….
What would you do if you were the Big Cheese at PROPYL & GLYCOL with corporate profits to fatten? You probably wouldn’t offer to do a study and you sure wouldn’t change anything else without being able to justify additional costs to your stockholders.
And if you think Anti-Freeze ingredients in your expensive cosmetics and personal care items is disgusting …. It’s just the tip of the iceberg!
How it got into our cosmetics 30 years ago is anyone's guess but it's time it was taken out of our personal care products and kept off our bodies.!"
Testimonial: 7-5-04 - "Thank you for the information. I just wanted to share an experience with you. I started having problems with getting rashes on various parts of my body. I went to the dermatologist and he did a "Patch Test" in which he taped 45 different substances commonly found in everyday products that people's skin may come into contact with to see if I'd react to any. Well, the one containing propylene glycol blistered. How could manufacturers put that harmful ingredient into shampoos, soaps, body washes, laundry detergent, lotions, etc. I can't believe it. I went to an organic store and bought all new stuff. Just wanted to share" Katie
Toxic Ingredient References


In 1938, the FDA grandfathered the use of several ingredients as safe for personal care items, with restrictions of course. Based on what? There were no studies on repeated exposure over time.
The problem is PROPYLENE GLYCOL may be absorbed through the skin. Studies have shown SYSTEMIC retention (residue throughout).