The present invention provides an ink-jet recording method for forming an image by applying an ink to a recording medium, wherein the ink used contains at least water, a pigment, a dispersing agent for dispersing the pigment and an acid form of an anionic surfactant. The ink has a surface tension higher than the critical surface tension of the recording medium. The ink is applied to the recording medium, and the surface tension of the ink is reduced to a surface tension below the critical surface tension of the recording medium after contacting the recording medium.