The present invention relates to an optical element for use in an optical pickup apparatus and an optical pickup apparatus. An optical element is provided for use in an optical pickup apparatus which records or reproduces information by converging a light flux from a light source onto an information recording surface of an optical disc and by receiving a light flux reflected by the information recording surface by a photodetector. The optical element includes: a first area including an optical axis of the optical element; and a second area surrounding the first area and including a diffractive structure in a radial shape. The first area transmits a light flux from the light source, and the second area diffracts a light flux with the predetermined wavelength from the light source.