The present invention is related to the preparation and use of moderately cross-linked (chain-extended)/ reverse (or "inverted") surfactants, wherein the reverse surfactants comprise a polyether backbone with oligomeric or polymeric silicon-containing substitutions along the backbone. The present invention further describes crosslinked versions of the iiiverted surfactants, reaction products of alkenyl (allyl, vinyl, methallyl) functional copolymers (polyethers), silicone hydrides and cross-linking agents, which may be optionally reacted with water to react the remaining alkoxy groups. The crosslinking agent contains either SiH or Si-alkoxy groups or both. The compounds of the present invention exhibit only moderate cross-linking in order to be soluble or dispersible in appropriate solvents.