A composition for use in a polymer flooding operation in a viscous oil containing carbonate reservoir formation with in situ rock is provided. The composition includes a polymer, the polymer operable to increase the viscosity of the composition; and a smart water, the smart water operable to alter a wettability of the in situ rock, wherein the smart water has a total dissolved solids of between 5,000 ppm and 7,000 ppm, wherein the total dissolved solids comprises one or more salts; wherein the composition has a viscosity between 4 cP and 100 cP.