Abstract : Hydraulic fracturing is a technique widely employed around the world to enhance the productivity of low-permeability wells. Hydraulic fracturing is performed by injecting a high-viscosity fluid capable of fracturing rocks and transporting proppant. A water-based fracturing fluid is the most commonly utilized fracturing fluid. This fluid is made up of water, polymeric minerals, crosslinks, breakers, and a variety of additional additives that are customized to the properties of the rock and fluid being penetrated. The existence of residues created by polymers that do not entirely break down after the fracture process is a common issue when using water-based fracturing fluids. In addition, the use of different water sources, such as the use of production water with complex ion content, affects both the residue and the rheology of the resulting gelling fluid. The fracturing fluid will also interact with the mineral reservoir rock, which contains clay minerals in varying amounts. This interaction can result in fines migration and clay swelling, which can increase the formation damage and impair permeability during hydraulic fracturing. The presence of residue, fines migration and clay swelling are a source of formation damage which can reduce permeability after hydraulic fracturing, better known as return permeability. This article reviews the formation damage in hydraulic fracturing caused by water based fracturing fluid comprises residues caused by interactions between polymeric materials and other additives, as well as clay issues such as fines migration and clay swelling. Comprehensive knowledge is needed regarding the factors that cause formation damage and return permeability caused by water based fracturing fluid, so that hydraulic fracturing will increase well productivity.