This investigation focused on developing an efficient chemical flooding process by use of dilute surfactant/polymer slugs. The competing roles of interfacial tension (1FT) and equivalent weight (EW) of the surfactant used, as well as the effect of different types of preflushes on tertiary oil recovery, were studied. Volume of residual oil recovered per gram of surfactant used was examined as a function of these variables and slug size.Tertiary oil recovery increased with an increase in the dilute surfactant slug size and buffer viscosity. However, low 1FT does not ensure high oil recovery. An increase in surfactant EW used actually can lead to a decrease in oil recovery. Tertiary oil recovery was also sensitive to preflush type. Reasons for the observed behavior are examined in relation to the surfactant properties as well as to adsorption and retention.