Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic that is commonly used for the treatment of superficial skin infections due to Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Traditional ointments and creams can however have drawbacks in terms of skin penetration, follicular drug delivery, chemical stability and effectiveness against bacterial biofilms. The nanoemulsions and nanoemulgels as an improvement of topical delivery of mupirocin, antibacterial activity and wound healing are discussed in this review. Literature was reviewed on formulation development, excipient selection, the methods of preparation, skin permeation, anti-bacterial activity, disruption of bacteria associated with biofilms, stability, biocompatibility and regulatory aspects. Nanoemulsions are lipid-based delivery systems in which the droplets are of nanoscale dimensions and might increase the solubility of the drug, increase the contact with the skin and increase the deposition into the skin and in the hair follicles. Additives such as non-ionic surfactant, cosurfactant and certain lipid ingredients could enhance the formulation properties and drug release, meanwhile, suitable gelling agents can increase formulation viscosity, extend skin dwelling time and facilitate the application of the formulation. The literature reviewed indicated that there were promising pre-clinical results of enhanced skin permeation and retention, improved antibacterial activity against MRSA and potential benefits in biofilm management and wound repair. However, these results will vary with formulation formulations, experimental conditions and the biological models used. There are still key points to consider for clinical translation, such as long-term stability, excipient safety, manufacturing reproducibility and regulatory requirements. In conclusion, the mupirocin loaded nanoemulsions and nanoemulgels are effective means to conquer some of the selected limitations of conventional topical formulations. There is a need for additional standardized investigations, thorough safety evaluations and carefully planned clinical trials to demonstrate their therapeutic benefits and clinical utility.