A method for extracting a crude oil contained in a geological formation comprises a step of fracturing the geological formation, by injection of a specific aqueous extraction fluid under pressure, which contains at least one surfactant that reduces the interfacial tension between the extraction fluid and the crude oil to be extracted to below 0.1 mN/m; followed by a discharge step (“flowback”). Additionally, the original fracturing fluids used in this method, and the additives used in these fracturing fluids include a surfactant or a surfactant mixture which make it possible to reduce the interfacial tension between the fluid and a petroleum oil below 0.1 mN/m.