The present invention is directed to an under-neutralized alkylxylene sulfonic acid composition for enhanced oil recovery processes. The present invention is also directed to a method for enhancing the recovery of oil from a subterranean reservoir which method employs the under-neutralized alkylxylene sulfonic acid compositions of the present invention. The under-neutralized alkylxylene sulfonic acid compositions are employed in an aqueous media. The method optionally employs suitable co-surfactants, such as alcohols, alcohol ethers, polyalkylene glycols, poly(oxyalkylene)glycols and/or poly(oxyalkylene)glycol ethers.