The object of the invention is to provide an organic electroluminescent element which reduces the luminescence starting voltage, increases the luminescence brightness, and has excellent stability with repeated use. The organic electroluminescent element includes at least a positive electrode, a luminescing layer and a negative electrode, which includes a compound layer of magnesium and a metal having a higher work function than magnesium. The exterior side of the compound layer has a higher percentage of the metal than magnesium and the interior side of the compound layer has a higher percentage of magnesium than the metal.