The object is to hold the recording, reproduction and rewrite characteristics better than in the prior art. An information recording medium comprises an information recording thin film as a recording layer formed on a substrate for recording and/or reproducing information by the change in the atomic arrangement caused by the radiation of light. The medium further comprises at least one protective layer. The protective layer and the recording layer are formed in that order from the light incidence side, followed by forming at least one absorption control layer, thereby exhibiting a superior rewrite characteristic.