Abstract: A method for the enhanced recovery of oil comprised of injecting into an oil containing formation an aqueous surfactant system comprised of a blend of an oil soluble amine, a lignin selected from the group consisting of lignosulfonates and sulfonated alkali and soda lignins, and a water soluble anionic or non-ionic surfactant and water; driving the surfactant system through the formation and producing the oil mobilized by the surfactant system. A surfactant composition useful for enhanced oil recovery methods comprised of an oil soluble amine, a lignin, and a water soluble anionic or non-ionic surfactant.