Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor for metallic crown caps used in packed products. The corrosion inhibitor comprises: one or more zinc sources of food grade, such as zinc oxide; one or more acid sources like carboxylic acids, such as citrus acid; a pH regulator compouse, such as sodium hydroxide; and water, preferably soft water, as aqueous phase for the concentrate formed by the combination of said compounds, as well as soft water as a concentrate solvent for its application. A method and system for applying the corrosion inhibitor is also presented, which ensure that the corrosion inhibitor impregnates both the crown cap perimeter rim and the crown cap internal surface adjacent to the surface of the nozzle of the container.