Dry machining of aluminum parts has been the most eco-friendly method in an attempt to reduce the use of mineral-based lubricants and other working fluids. The drawbacks of dry machining include an increase of contact temperatures and stresses leading to high values of tool wear and a decrease of the tool life. For this reason, more sustainable lubricants are needed as a middle point between waste generation and tool life. Since 2001, Ionic Liquids (ILs) have attracted interest as high-performance lubricants and lubricant additives. In this work, the lubricating ability of one halogen-containing and two halogen-free ILs used as additives in water has been investigated and compared to a halogen-containing cutting fluid (CF). Tests were performed using a pin-on-disk tribometer for aluminum-tungsten carbide pair. The worn surfaces of the disks and balls were analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopies, non-contact 3D profilometry and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. It was found that the addition of 1 wt% of one of the halogen-free ILs reduces friction and wear of both aluminum disks and ceramic balls with respect to dry or water-lubricated conditions. In addition, no wear was detected on the ball surface, therefore increasing the tool life compared to the CF. •Ionic liquids as additives in water are efficient sustainable lubricants.•Results showed friction reductions of more than 70% and negligible wear.•The use of ionic liquids also improved the surface finish inside the wear track.•Water-based cutting fluids using ionic liquids showed potential of extending the tool life.