This invention provides an organic electroluminescent element comprising a substrate and an electrode and one or more organic layers provided on the substrate. The organic electroluminescent element is characterized in that the layer density of at least one of the organic layers is 1.10 to 1.25 g/cm3. The organic electroluminescent element exhibits good luminescence brightness, causes no significant voltage rise and dark spot in the constant-current driving, and has good temporal stability under high temperature and high humidity conditions. There are also provided a display device and a lighting device using the organic EL element.