An organic EL element which has a good element property and can realize high productivity is provided. The organic EL element 100 is provided with an element substrate 120 for forming an organic layer including at least a light emitting layer 105 between a pair of opposing electrodes which are provided on the substrate, in which a surface of the above-mentioned element substrate is covered with a sealing layer 110, wherein the above-mentioned sealing layer 110 includes a self-recovery layer 113 which causes volume change in a predetermined environment.