<p>Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent element which is hardly reduced in its brightness and has an largely improved service life. The organic electroluminescent element comprises an organic compound layer comprising an organic light-emitting layer sandwiched between at least a pair of electrodes, wherein the organic light-emitting layer comprises an organic compound material which comprises a hydroxyl-containing compound and has a content of impurities of less than 0.15 mass%. Also disclosed is a method for selecting an organic compound material for an organic electroluminescent element, which comprises the steps of: measuring the content of the impurities in a candidate organic compound material; and selecting an organic compound material having the content of less than 0.15 mass% as an material for use in the formation of an organic light-emitting layer. Further disclosed are: an ink for forming a coating film; a method for formation of a thin film; and a method for producing an organic electroluminescent element.</p>
