Al-containing low carbon MgO-C refractories were prepared using 70% (in mass, the same hereinafter) fused magnesia (≤3 mm), 24% fused magnesia powder (<0.074 mm), 3% flake graphite, 3% Al powder and 4% phenolic resin (extra-added) as the basic formulation. Influence of ZnO addition on oxidation resistance of the materials was investigated by adding 1% ZnO to substitute fused magnesia powder. The relationship between in-situ formed spinel and ZnO in the matrix was discussed by comparing apparent porosity, cold crushing strength, and phase evolution of the materials matrix. The oxidation resistances of the two materials were compared by observing the formed dense MgO layer between the decarburized layer and the original layer. The result shows that adding ZnO in MgO-C refractories accelerates the in-situ formation of ZnAl2O4 spinel and the formation of dense MgO layer, thus improves the oxidation resistance of the low carbon MgO-C refractories.