The influence of the non-ionic surfactant Forafac F1110 on the kinetics of zinc deposition in sulfate or chloride solutions is investigated by voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. From a discussion of the results in terms of a reaction model, it is shown that the additive produces a significant inhibition of the corrosion process. In addition and in a specific way for each electrolyte, the additive (i) inhibits the different steps of charge transfer leading to the zinc deposit and (ii) modifies the kinetic parameters of the slow reactions involved in the formation and destruction of the active sites for zinc deposition.