Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to fluid compositions that generally comprise: (1) a base fluid; and (2) boron nitride-based materials dispersed in the base fluid. In some embodiments, the boron nitride-based materials may include hexagonal boron nitride. In some embodiments, the boron nitride-based materials in the fluid compositions may be less than about 1% of the weight of the fluid composition. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of making fluid compositions. Such methods generally include dispersing boron nitride-based materials in a base fluid, such as by mixing. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention may also include steps of exfoliating or sonicating the bulk boron nitride-based materials followed by centrifugation and drying procedures.