An organic electroluminescent device includes a substrate, an encapsulation substrate, an organic electroluminescent portion interposed between the substrate and the encapsulation substrate and a transparent moisture absorption layer. The transparent moisture absorption layer comprises at least one of a metal oxide and a metal salt with an average particle diameter of about 100 nm or less, a binder, and a dispersant. The transparent moisture absorption layer may be disposed in an internal space provided by the substrate and the encapsulation substrate and may be used in a front emission type organic electroluminescent device.