The present invention provides an absorbent article that has flexible cushioning properties, favorable rebound when compressed, superior collection of waste, and superior liquid migration properties from a surface sheet to an absorbent element. The absorbent article has: a surface sheet, which has a textured structure used at the skin surface side of the absorbent article, and has first protrusions protruding to the skin surface side and second protrusions protruding to the clothing side at the reverse of the skin surface side; and an absorbent element disposed at a position overlapping the surface sheet in a plan view. The surface sheet and the absorbent element are joined in a planar manner at a join section at the apices of the second protrusions.