<p>The accelerated shift toward high efficiency and sustainability of the iron and steel is driving the advancement of green, low-carbon and high-quality carbon-containing refractories used for ladles. It is undoubtedly a significant challenge, since the addition of graphite enables refractories to possess superior thermal shock resistance and slag corrosion resistance. To develop low carbon-containing refractories with excellent properties, researchers over the past decades have endeavored to seek additives which can mitigate the adverse effects associated with the decrease in carbon in refractories. These additives can promote the occurrence of various mechanisms about toughening, which depends on inherent properties of additives or reacting with refractories to in situ form different ceramic phases, thereby responding the challenge of low-carbonization in refractories. The latest advances in additives used for low carbon-containing refractories from metal/alloys, oxide, non-oxide and composite powders four aspects were comprehensively overviewed in this review. Oxide additives exhibit a moderate effect on improving thermal shock resistance of refractories but show limited efficacy in improving oxidation resistance. In contrast, non-oxide additives demonstrate remarkable advantages in enhancing both oxidation and slag corrosion resistance. Composite powders combine the advantageous properties of their individual components. These additives often require combination with antioxidants such as Al, Si, or B₄C not only to reduce costs but also to achieve optimal properties. Furthermore, future perspectives of these additives are discussed, with the aim of providing useful insights for the continuous progress and practical application of low carbon-containing refractories.</p>