The influence Of L-ascorbic acid (AA) on mild steel corrosion in pH = 2-6 solutions was investigated using electrochemical and weight loss techniques. Optical microscopic analyses provided the surface condition. The maximum inhibitor efficiency has been found in 10(-3) mol dm(-3) AA, pH = 4, solutions (69%). In these conditions, AA acts as a mixed-type inhibitor. Activation energies of 49.4 and 65.7 kJ mol(-1) for the corrosion processes were observed in absence and presence of AA, respectively. The AA inhibitor effect could also be evidenced by surface optical images. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.