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.