Brine-tolerant lubricants are provided. The brine-tolerant lubricants may comprise an oil component, a surfactant component, and, optionally, an additive component. In one aspect, the oil component comprises a fatty acid alkyl ester. In one aspect, the surfactant component comprises at least one of an alkoxylated fatty acid and an alkoxylated fatty alcohol. Also provided are methods for increasing the lubricity of a drilling fluid by contacting the drilling fluid with the brine-tolerant lubricants.