Demulsifiers containing an anionic surfactant selected fromalkylsulfosuccinates, alkylsufonates, alkylphosphonicacids, and their salts a nonionic surfactant selected from ethyleneoxide/propylene oxide copolymers, ethoxylated fatty acids ofpolyethylene glycol, terpene alkoxylates, and modified alkanolamides or acombination of an anionic and a nonionic surfactant,and methods of use thereof in breaking emulsions.