The article reviews the research progress on antioxidant additives for lubricating oils, focusing on the oxidation mechanism of hydrocarbon lubricants and the functions of peroxide decomposers and radical scavengers. Peroxide decomposers, including sulfur compounds, phosphorus compounds, sulfur-phosphorus compounds, and sulfur-nitrogen compounds, effectively degrade alkyl peroxides during chain propagation, enhancing lubricant oxidation stability. However, high sulfur and phosphorus content can cause environmental pollution and reduce mechanical efficiency. Radical scavengers, such as hindered phenols and aromatic amines, donate hydrogen to combine with alkoxy and alkyl peroxy radicals, forming stable hydrocarbons and hydroperoxides. These compounds exhibit superior antioxidant properties and no pollution, making them potential replacements for traditional antioxidants. The review also discusses the design of molecular structures with synergistic antioxidant properties, highlighting the importance of these compounds in improving the performance of lubricating oils.The article reviews the research progress on antioxidant additives for lubricating oils, focusing on the oxidation mechanism of hydrocarbon lubricants and the functions of peroxide decomposers and radical scavengers. Peroxide decomposers, including sulfur compounds, phosphorus compounds, sulfur-phosphorus compounds, and sulfur-nitrogen compounds, effectively degrade alkyl peroxides during chain propagation, enhancing lubricant oxidation stability. However, high sulfur and phosphorus content can cause environmental pollution and reduce mechanical efficiency. Radical scavengers, such as hindered phenols and aromatic amines, donate hydrogen to combine with alkoxy and alkyl peroxy radicals, forming stable hydrocarbons and hydroperoxides. These compounds exhibit superior antioxidant properties and no pollution, making them potential replacements for traditional antioxidants. The review also discusses the design of molecular structures with synergistic antioxidant properties, highlighting the importance of these compounds in improving the performance of lubricating oils.