This proof of concept research evaluates a new approach to prevent the adsorption of surfactant onto a sand/kaolin blend. This process is based on the formation of inclusion complexes between surfactants and beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD). First, the kinetics and formation of surfactant/beta-CD inclusion complexes was determined using several analytical techniques including optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and H-1 NMR and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Next, the effectiveness of this method in preventing surfactant adsorption was evaluated using dynamic adsorption tests and the Quartz Crystal Microbalance Technology (QCM-D). The experimental results demonstrate the formation of equimolar surfactant: beta-CD inclusion complexes in soft brine; while the dynamic adsorption evaluation shows significant reductions of surfactant adsorption onto a sand/kaolin blend of up to 61%. This exploratory study showcases the potential of this technique for minimizing the loss of surfactant to adsorption. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.