A set of organic ligands of different natures has been investigated as complexing‐type corrosion inhibitors for the protection of low carbon steel in an acidic medium. The inhibitive mechanism implying the formation of phase protective layers on the metal surface as a result of the complexation process of added organic ligands with the metal cations is being discussed. The results of the investigation of the influence of pH and temperature conditions on the phase layers formation dynamics have been presented. A range of practical aspects of the application of organic ligands as complexing‐type inhibitors for the formation of ultrathin coatings have been discussed. The stability constant of the metal–ligand complex and its solubility have been proposed as the basis of a predictive model for analytical assessment of their potential protective efficiency.