An electrophotographic photosensitive element comprising an electrically conductive substrate having formed, first, a charge transfer layer, second, a charge generating layer, and, third, a surface protective layer. The charge transfer layer contains a butadiene derivative and/or a hydrazone compound. The charge generating layer contains a hydrazone compound as a charge transfer material in addition to a charge generating material. The charge generating layer is formed by coating the charge transfer layer with an alcoholic solvent in which is dissolved the coating composition of the charge generating layer. The surface protective layer is formed on the surface of the charge generating layer.