An explosive source is the most commonly used excitation source in seismic exploration. Studies on the characteristics of explosive source play an important role in improving energy and resolution of seismic waves. In this paper, the progress of components and structures of explosive charge are reviewed. Then the practical application value and limitation are commented and the potential future research directions are pointed out. The basic requirement of explosive source for seismic exploration is introduced, and the method of formulation design of explosive to improve seismic wave energy is analyzed and four main charge components during the last twenty years are summarized. On the other hand, the design principle and mechanism of charge structure including multi-level-delayed charge, low detonation velocity and elongated charge, shaped charge, multi-well shot arrays charge and screwing charge are introduced, respectively, and the application effect and scope of each type of explosive structure are analyzed, and looks forward to the prospect of explosive source in the future.