The wax in wax-containing and high-wax crude oil is easy to crystallize and precipitate，which affects the flow of crude oil，and easily causes problems such as shaft blockage and pipeline blockage，resulting in serious economic losses. Chemical anti-wax agent has become the main method to prevent or inhibit wax deposition and improve the low temperature fluidity of crude oil. Five types of chemical anti-wax agents，including solvent，high molecular polymers，nano-composite，surfactants，green natural materials/bio-based modified anti-wax agents， were reviewed. The molecular structure， synthesis method， action mechanism，advantages and disadvantages and application effects of different types of anti-wax agents were introduced. The future development trend of chemical anti-wax agents used in oilfield was predicted. It is necessary to deeply study the wax crystal growth process and inhibition mechanism，predict the wellbore or pipeline in advance，clarify the adaptability of different types of anti-wax agents，and strengthen the research and application of compound anti-wax technology.