You sound like you know your stuff. Unless Pledge has changed its formula, which I will check just out of curiosity, it used to have silicone, along with Behold polish. The web site says no wax but does not mention silicone. Silicone may not show up on a MSDS sheet if it doesn't harm you. I mean, if its not silicone or wax and it holds up outside in the sun, then what is it? I know that car painters have had to deal with silicone for years, so my post may not be relavent. Your point is taken about wood absorbing liquids and that does add to any problems of contamination and we fight this regularly.