The effect of two paraffinic crude oils on the corrosion rate of L80 carbon steel was determined at different water cuts and simulated wellhead conditions. Uniform corrosion was found to decrease about one order of magnitude even at high water cuts, whereas localized corrosion was induced. This behavior was related to hydrocarbon properties modifying the corrosion products and forming a protective barrier. Key words: COn corrosion, crude oil, protective properties, carbon steel