Chemical characterization and antibacterial activity of Thymus moroderi and Thymus piperella essential oils, two Thymus endemic species from southeast of Spain

► This is the first study that characterizes two Thymus species endemic from Spain. ► The essential oils from Thymus moroderi and Thymus piperella are a source of important bioactive compounds. ► T. moroderi and T. piperella show a high antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. ► They may be considered as natural preservatives to replace the synthetic preservatives in food products.