An optical element of the invention comprises at least two laminated circular-polarization-type-reflection polarizers (a) whose wavelength bands for selective reflection of polarized light overlap one another, wherein the at least two circular-polarization-type-reflection polarizers (a) each have a side capable of selectively reflecting a relatively short wavelength in the wavelength bands for selective reflection, and the sides of said at least two circular-polarization-type-reflection polarizers (a) capable of selectively reflecting the relatively short wavelength are arranged opposite to each other. The optical element condenses or collimates incident light from a light source and can control transmission of light at large incident angles relative to the normal direction, increase front brightness and reduce coloration.