Parametric optimization for better synergism between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and l-cysteine was optimized using Taguchi design, a statistical approach. The corrosion inhibition property of poly(vinyl alcohol-cysteine) (PVAC) on mild steel corrosion was continuously monitored using electrochemical techniques such as polarization and impedance methods. Continuous monitoring of the system reveals the formation of stable film on the metal surface. Temperature effect on the inhibition properties of PVAC was studied using electrochemical measurements. Calculated kinetic and thermodynamic parameters supported the spontaneous adsorption of PVAC. Atomic force microscopic and laser profiler analysis confirmed the adsorption of PVAC on mild steel surface. Theoretical calculations using Hyperchem 7.0 proved the better corrosion mitigation properties of PVAC compared to PVA.