An absorbent body having an absorbent polymer and hydrophilic fibers as main components thereof, characterized by the fact that the density of said absorbent body is in the range of from 0.1 to 0.5 g/cm.sup.3 or a ratio of wet swelling is not less than 200%, a capacity of said absorbent body for absorption of physiological saline solution under pressure is in the range of from 11 to 25 g/g, and the ratio of exfoliation of said absorbent polymer is not more than 45%, and an absorbent article comprising a liquid-pervious surface material, a liquid-impervious lining material, and the absorbent body layer interposed therebetween.