The invention relates to the use of at least one compound corresponding to the following formula: R—O—(—CH2-CH(CH3)-O-)m-(—CH2-CH2-0-)u-H where: R is a hydrocarbon-based group comprising from 6 to 40 carbons; m ranges from 0 to 20; n, which is greater than m, ranges from 5 to 40, in order to inhibit the phenomena of retention of anionic surfactants within an oil-bearing reservoir, in particular within a carbonate or clay reservoir.