A semiconductor light emitting element, comprises: an active layer; a first electrode and second electrode that inject current to the active layer; a semiconductor layer between the active layer and the first electrode; and a dielectric layer that is provided on the semiconductor layer and through which light from the active layer passes; wherein the first electrode is provided on the semiconductor layer, has an opening through which light from the active layer passes, and comprises a first electrode layer that comes in contact with and is provided on the semiconductor layer, and a second electrode layer that is provided on the first electrode layer, with the first electrode layer having less reactivity with the semiconductor layer than the second electrode layer; and the dielectric layer is provided inside the opening such that the end section on the opening side of the first electrode layer extends from the top of the semiconductor layer to the top of the dielectric layer.