Abstract: A formulation according to the invention that can be utilized in the prevention and/or resolving of water and oil emulsions, is described. These formulations have been found to modify water and oil emulsions, and to be very effective non-emulsifiers/weak emulsifiers and/or demulsifiers, specifically in high brine or highly acidic environments, for water and crude oil emulsions. The formulation comprises at least one ethoxylated alcohol with a molecular structure as shown in formula 1: R—O—(C2H4O)n—H (1) wherein R comprises linear or branched alkyl groups having from 6 to 18 carbon atoms and n is from 3 to 20.