Brown carbon (BrC) is an important class of light absorbing carbonaceous aerosols in the atmosphere, which has attracted much attention because of its significant impact on regional and even global radiative forcing and climate. However, the lack of comprehensive understanding of the optical properties of BrC in the atmosphere is one of the key factors leading to the uncertainties of its radiative forcing evaluation. Researches on light-absorbing properties of BrC at home and abroad in recent years have been reviewed. It is shown that BrC sources, chromophore composition, atmospheric process, pH conditions and coexisting metal ions are potential influencing factors of the light absorption properties ofBrC. The current understanding of the influencing factors and mechanism of BrC light absorption properties are systematically summarized, and suggestions and prospects for the future research on BrC light absorption properties and associated influencing factors are also put forward.