The work aims to review the relevant research reports on magnesium silicate hydroxide in the field of lubrication inChina and abroad in detail. Then, two commonly used preparation methods of magnesium silicate hydroxide nanoparticles are listed, explaining the rationality, advantages and disadvantages of each method. The chemical methods for the synthesis of magnesium silicate hydroxide nanoparticles are highlighted. The effects of different reaction conditions (pH value, molar ratio:Si/Mg, temperature and holding time) on the morphology control were explored. It was found that with the increase of pH, temperature and holding time, the morphology of magnesium silicate hydroxide changed from flake/flower to tubular/fibrous. Secondly, the methods used to improve the dispersion stability of magnesium silicate hydroxide in lubricating oil were summarized. Specifically, it included:surfactant based on oleic acid.Through the carboxyl functional group at its end and the hydroxyl functional group on the surface of magnesium silicate hydroxide, with the physical action of van der Waals force and hydrogen bonding, it was coated on the surface of nanoparticles. The hydroxyl group that can be further reacted and the surfactant with hydroxyl or carboxyl group are selected, and the long organic chain is introduced on the surface through condensation reaction or esterification reaction and hybridization with other substances, etc. Then, the changing rules of the tribological properties of magnesium silicate hydroxide nanoparticles under different friction parameters, special matching pairs and hybridization with rare earth elements are discussed. The formation mechanism and action mechanism of the tribofilm of magnesium silicate hydroxide on the surface of the friction pair are analyzed. Based on the reported literature, the potential lubricating mechanism (surface repair effect, tribochemical reaction film, microstructural transformation, synergistic effect and internal oxidation mechanism) of magnesium silicate hydroxide nanoparticles for anti-wear and anti-friction properties is summarized. Finally, the problems and challenges in the application and popularization of magnesium hydroxy silicate nanoparticles in the field of lubrication in the future are put forward. The corresponding solutions are given for the existing problems.