A method for recovering oil from a subterranean formation is disclosed wherein a novel solution is injected into and driven through the formation. The solution contains an effective amount of surface-active agent having the general formulaR.sub.1 O(C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O,.sub.m (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.n YXwhereinR.sub.1 is a linear or branched alkyl radical, an alkenyl radical, or an alkyl or alkenyl substituted benzene radical, the non-aromatic portion of the radical containing from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms;m has an average value of between about 1 and about 10;n has an average value of between about 1 and about 10;Y is a hydrophilic group; andX is a cation, preferably monovalent.