Shaveing Gel/Cream expiration Date?? really

Hi,
I recently got into straight razor shaving and now I'm noticing all things shaving everywhere :) I looked through some old Xmas presents (toiletries that I didn't care for at the time) ...and noticed a few shave creams I never used.
Now most of them don't quote a 'expiration date' but Mega Corp Gilette does on it's Gel (May 2010) :) Is that a marketing ploy or is there a Real reason for this? maybe some ingridients in it do expire?
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/v...psgoci8wpb.jpg
Also Are the other creams any good? THat Bamboo stuff doubles as a 'hair conditioner' if you're not using it to shave with...instructions on how to use as both on the back..and the wife says it cost €50 :dropjaw:

Thanks for any help you can provide
Gilette Ingridients listed below:
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/v...pskhjzochu.jpg

Some products will break down and loose their effectiveness or quality - the product may separate or discolor etc. It's probably not something that a consumer would notice. The bigger issue, is that every time an unsanititized hand contacts the product (say when you add a blob from the tube to the palm of your hand), there is a chance for microbial transfer.

Typically this is never a problem as the products contain preservatives, but should the wrong bacteria get back into the container, it could be a breeding ground. I had a tube of Jack Black Facial scrub that i dropped in water. The next time went to use it black stuff came out, and i was grossed out.

THanks, I haven't opened any of the tubes except the Bamboo, which is like a sticky wax/gel..very thick... Looking forward to trying these.....No lather at all, just a film goes across the Face :) Weird after only using foam / Lathery soaps so far.

I guess the shave test will tell all :tameshigiri: