The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a substantially cylindrical body rotated by rotation power transmitted via an first end portion from in an image forming apparatus and a photosensitive layer including a latent image forming area formed on an outer circumference of the body. The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus provided with the electrophotographic photosensitive member. In the photosensitive layer, when the body is charged with a constant charging ability in the axial direction, dark electric potential at the latent image forming area gradually becomes larger as proceeding in the axial direction of the body, from the first end portion to a second end portion opposite to the first end portion.