How can you tell if creams/lotions are expired??

If a cream is still packaged and unopened is there a way to tell if it is expired?? I usally see a number/letter code on the bottom but none appears to be a date? or is it a year?
thank you

Re: How can you tell if creams/lotions are expired??

I know it's wasteful but I usually just toss if I've had for a long time.

Especially BBW stuff. I get a TON of that between freebies and stuff my family gives me, that I could never use all of it.

My problem is sometimes I will open it and only use it a handful of times.

I'm sure a lot of it is still good though.

If you feel bad tossing, I believe shelters and places like that would take.