PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an absorbent material and an absorbent article having a high absorption rate for a body fluid and a large absorption amount.SOLUTION: An absorbent material includes: cellulose hydrogel particles of a cellulose hydrogel made by crosslinking an alkyl cellulose derivative and a surface active agent. An absorbent article 1 includes: an absorber 4 containing the above absorbent material for absorbing a users body fluid a light permeable sheet 2 covering one surface of the absorber 4 and permeating the users body fluid and a liquid impermeable sheet 3 covering the other surface of the absorber 4 and not permeating the users body fluid.