The invention relates to an optically variable security element (12) for securing security papers, value documents and other value items, comprising at least one color-changing multilayer interference layer element (22) having a
reflective layer (28), at least one absorbent layer (24) and at least one
dielectric spacer layer (26) between the
reflective layer (28) and the at least one absorbent layer (24), due to its
layered structure, the multilayer interference layer element (22) produces an intrinsic
color shift effect with a first color when viewed from a first viewing direction and with a second, different color when viewed from a second viewing direction. According to the invention, a
blue light absorber (32) having an
absorption edge in the
wavelength range of 380 nm to 460 nm is arranged above and / or below the at least one multi-layer interference layer element (22), said absorber selectively absorbing a
blue light component in order to vary the intrinsic
color shift effect of the at least one multi-layer interference layer element (22), the security element (12) is configured such that the security element (12) exhibits a modified
color shift effect between a third color when viewed from the first viewing direction (40) and a fourth color which is different when viewed from the second viewing direction (42), the third color being different from the first color in
hue and / or
color purity, and the fourth color being different from the first color in
hue and / or
color purity. And / or the fourth color differs from the second color in
hue and / or
color purity.