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Water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs), a more environment-friendly candidate than oil-based are widely used for drilling oil and gas wells. However, wellbore instability due to active clay minerals in the shales is considered a major problem faced by the WBDFs due to swelling and hydration. Several types of shale inhibitors have been proposed by researchers to help combat the menace posed by these active clay minerals during drilling operations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the application of surfactants and nanomaterials as additives to WBDFs and anti-swelling agents for drilling operations. An overview of the experimental procedures and conclusions conducted from studies to evaluate the performance of these materials ranging from types, characterization techniques, limitations, inhibition mechanisms are presented. A summary of key findings has also been reported as well as the challenges and …