In a method for optimizing gas lift operations in the production of crude oil, a surfactant is injected with the lift gas into the an oil well such that the surface tension between the lift gas and the formation fluid being produced is reduced and/or a lift gas-formation fluid foam is formed. The reduction in surface tension and/or foam formation increases the efficiency of the lift gas for lifting the formation fluid to the surface. The surfactant is selected to minimize corrosion. The surfactants consist essentially of sultaines, hydroxy sultaines, and their salts. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).