The influence of surface‐applied Ca, Ce, Hf, La, Y, and Zr nitrate‐converted oxides on the oxidation behavior of Co‐15 weight percent (w/o) Cr, Co‐25 w/o Cr, and Ni‐25 w/o Cr alloys at 1000° and 1100°C in 1 atm has been studied. The surface oxides appeared to be most beneficial on the established forming alloy. Surface‐applied , , and were particularly effective in reducing the growth rate of the scale and improving the scale adhesion. The presence of these surface oxides also prevented base metal oxide formation and changed the growth direction of the scale. All of these observed effects were similar to those found when the reactive element oxides were present within the alloys. However, the presence of surface made the oxide scales very nonadherent causing a breakaway behavior at the early stage of the oxidation process. None of the surface‐applied oxides showed any effects on the forming alloy, and they acted as a semibarrier on the borderline former. Unlike the case of dispersoids present in the alloy, these surface‐applied oxides were unable to promote a continuous layer at alloy Cr levels lower than those normally required to form the scale.