To provide an optical element capable of further widening the range of variable focal distance.

The optical element 10 has a liquid lens formed such that a first liquid 19 and a second liquid 20 that does not mix with the first liquid 19 are sealed in a container 12 and the shape of a boundary face 21 between the first and second liquids 19 and 10 can be changed by changing a physical quantity added into the container 12. The optical element 10 includes: a first optical member 17, which is located on the first liquid 19 side and through which the optical axis X of the liquid lens passes, the optical axis X being disposed so as to pass through the boundary face 21 between the first and second liquids 19 and 20; and a second optical member 16, which is located on the second liquid 20 side and through which the optical axis X of the liquid lens passes, the optical axis X being disposed so as to pass through the boundary face 21 between the first and second liquids 19 and 20. In this optical element 10, the first optical member 17 is provided with a reflecting face 18a. Light ray made incident on the optical member 10 passes through the second and first liquids 20 and 19 as light travels in that order. The light ray is reflected, passed through the first and second liquids 19 and 20 again, and emitted.