The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of ZK60 magnesium alloy was investigated under different conditions, i.e. thin electrolyte layer (TEL) and solution, by slow strain rate tensile tests, electrochemical techniques, Auger electron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with electron backscattered diffraction, and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Results indicated that the ZK60 magnesium alloy in solution exhibits a higher SCC susceptibility with a combined SCC mechanism of weaker anodic dissolution (AD) and stronger hydrogen embrittlement (HE) compared to under TEL. Moreover, the HE mechanism under various conditions was discussed. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.