We use water instead of alcohol as the base for Ben's 30 Tick & Insect Repellent because water does not evaporate as quickly as alcohol, resulting in a longer-lasting formula.
Alcohol also creates a strong aroma, contributing to the traditional bug spray smell. The water-based Ben's 30 Tick & Insect Repellent formula does not have a scent that is as strong as some alcohol-based repellents.