With the enhancement of people""s awareness of environmental protection, bio-based materials have been developed rapidly. Bio-based epoxy resins have replaced or even surpassed traditional commercial epoxy resins in mechanical and thermal properties, and have gradually become substitute for petroleum products. The development of bio-based epoxy resins can reduce the consumption of oil and reduce the impact on the environment, so has become a research hotspot in recent years. This paper reviewed the research progress and main achievements in the synthesis of bio-based epoxy resin based on plant phenols, such as cardanol, eugenol, magnolol and vanillin at home and abroad in recent years.