Propolis is an adhesive substance mixed with plant resins collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera) and secretions from their mandibular gland and wax gland, with wide pharmacological activity and healthcare functions. Its antioxidant activity has long been regarded as one of the most important biological activities of propolis. This article summarizes studies on the antioxidant activity of propolis extracts from different geographic origins and with different extraction methods, as well as several important monomer active ingredients in propolis, and concludes the potential molecular mechanism of antioxidant activity of propolis and its monomer ingredients, with the aim of providing ideas for further studies on pharmacological activity of propolis, as well as reference for in-depth development of propolis products.