How did natron help dry a body during Egyptian mummification?

In the process of ancient Egyptian mummification, natron—a naturally occurring salt and hydrated sodium carbonate—was essential for dehydrating the body to prevent decay.123

After the internal organs were removed and the body cavities were cleaned, the corpse was covered in natron. This substance acted as a powerful desiccant, drawing moisture out of the flesh over a period of approximately 40 days. By effectively removing the body's fluids, the natron created an environment inhospitable to the bacteria that cause decomposition, thereby preserving the physical form for the afterlife. Once the dehydration process was complete, the body was cleaned, wrapped in linen, and treated with resins to provide further protection against moisture.12