An organic EL element which has no layer that prevents penetration of holes and electrons to the counter electrode. The organic EL element includes: an anode, a hole injecting and transporting layer formed on the anode, a light emitting layer formed on the hole injecting and transporting layer, an electron injecting and transporting layer formed on the light emitting layer, and a cathode formed on the electron injecting and transporting layer. Ip2≧Ip3 is established when an ionization potential of a constituent material for the light emitting layer is Ip2 and an ionization potential of a constituent material for the electron injecting and transporting layer is Ip3. Ea1≧Ea2 is established when an electron affinity of a constituent material for the hole injecting and transporting layer is Ea1 and an electron affinity of the constituent material for the light emitting layer is Ea2.