Astaxanthin (AST) is known to exhibit antioxidative and antitumor properties, therefore, the present study investigated its other potential medical applications. AST was observed to exhibit anti‑allergic and anti‑inflammatory effects in a dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)‑induced contact dermatitis (CD) mouse model and RBL‑2H3 cell lines. The topical application of AST effectively inhibited the enlargement of ear thickness and increase in weight, which occurred following repeated application of DNFB. Furthermore, topical application of different concentrations of AST inhibited inflammatory hyperplasia, edema, spongiosis, and the infiltration of mononuclear cells and mast cells in the ear tissue. In addition, the levels of TNF‑α and IFN‑γ produced were decreased by application of AST in vivo, and treatment of RBL‑2H3 cells with AST inhibited the release of histamine and β‑hexosaminidase in vitro. Taken together, these data suggested that AST may be used to treat patients with allergic skin diseases through a mechanism, which may be associated with that involved in anti‑inflammatory or anti-allergic activities.