Abstract: The recent progress of catalysts in selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to cinnamyl alcohol from active components, promoters, supports, and reduction methods are reviewed. Factors of the cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation activity and selectivity of cinnamyl alcohol were discussed. The prospect of selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde is viewed. Enhancing the activity, selectivity and stability of non-precious metal catalyst and reducing the reaction temperature and pressure through catalyst design are the future research directions.