The present invention provides a lubricant composition which can be washed off cold and the use thereof for application to a metal strip as anti-corrosion, wash and/or forming lubricant. The composition is 50 to 90 wt % base fluid, 3 to 15 wt % sulfonate-based corrosion inhibitor, 1 to 20 wt % ester component, 0.5 to 3 wt % phosphorus source component or 1 to 10 wt % sulfur source component as high-pressure/anti-wear additive, 1 to 15 wt % emulsifier, 0.05 to 1 wt % carboxylic acid component, 0.05 to 1 wt % aminic and/or phenolic antioxidant, 0.5 to 5 wt % wax and/or thickener component, based in each case on the total weight of the composition. Further disclosed is a dry lubricant composition which can be washed off cold.