The difference between scent beads and laundry detergent lies in several aspects.

Firstly, in terms of form, scent beads are solid, shaped like pills or tablets, while laundry detergent is typically in liquid form or as soluble granules. Secondly, in terms of function, scent beads are primarily used to provide long-lasting fragrance to clothes, making them smell pleasant even after washing. Some may also have additional functions like anti-static, antibacterial, and dust mite removal. On the other hand, laundry detergent is designed to clean clothes and remove stains and dirt. It uses non-ionic surfactants that are gentle on the skin and can be used in both machine and handwashing. Thirdly, in terms of composition, scent beads contain essential oil fragrances and microencapsulated fragrances that can lock in the scent and release it during the washing process. Laundry detergent, on the other hand, is primarily composed of non-ionic surfactants. Finally, in terms of usage, scent beads are often used along with laundry detergent, where they are added to the wash to adhere to clothes and provide fragrance. Laundry detergent is added directly to the wash depending on the type of fabric and level of dirtiness to clean the clothes. In summary, scent beads focus on providing fragrance and additional benefits to clothes, while laundry detergent focuses on cleaning and stain removal.