Objective To investigate the corrosion inhibition performances of sodium tungstate and the sodium tungstate-SLS composite on Q235 steel in simulated seawater. Methods Effects of inhibitor additions on the corrosion inhibition efficiency were studied using weight loss of tested pieces. Based on the electrochemical polarization curve and impedance test, the inhibition efficiencies and related fitting data of sodium tungstate inhibitor when used alone or in combination were compared. Results Sodium tungstate was a good inhibitor for carbon steel in simulated seawater, and the inhibition efficiency increased with the increasing inhibitor concentration, and the adsorption of sodium tungstate onto the surface of carbon steel followed the amended Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation. Compound inhibitors had higher efficiency, with lower Tafel slope on the cathode and anode and significantly reduced corrosion current density. Conclusion Composite of sodium tungstate and SLS had better corrosion performance than that of sodium tungstate alone, which showed excellent synergistic effect. Compound inhibitor was a mixed-type inhibitor.